Sutton North Lib Dem Councillors

Cllr Sam Cumber, Cllr Ruth Dombey and Chris Hawton working hard for Sutton North all year round Learn more

Residents win planning appeal in Benhilton Gardens

by Sam, Ruth and Chris on 24 September, 2017

Residents will recall that the planning application to build four single story dwellings at the rear of 15 to 16 Benhilton Gardens (B2016/75814) was turned down by Sutton Council in January this year.

The applicant appealed against this decision to the Planning Inspectorate. We have now heard that the Inspectorate have UPHELD the Council’s decision, so the application remains rejected.  A copy of the appeal decision is here.

The Inspector noted that the proposal would take up much of the existing rear gardens, leaving a relatively small area for the existing houses. He said that this would ‘erode the current strong recognisable character of undeveloped long rear gardens that form an integral part of the character and appearance of the rear block of Nos 15 to 22. A considerably denser form of development would be created than that which exists on any other part of Benhilton Gardens, including those areas where backland development has occurred.’  Taking this into account, he judged that the proposal would cause demonstrable harm to the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

The Inspector did not consider that the loss of outlook for residents in Hunting Gate Mews would cause demonstrable harm, nor that the loss of tress would have a significant impact.  However the issue of harm to the character and appearance of the area was sufficient for him to dismiss the appeal.

As your local councillors we will continue to keep you informed of planning issues in our area.

Ruth, Marlene and Steve

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