The Planning Inspector has upheld Sutton’s decision to turn down a planning application to replace the existing garage at 27 Montrose Gardens with a one bedroom single storey house.

The Inspector said:  ‘The replacement of the garage with a small dwelling, set behind the established building line of the more substantial semi-detached houses, would comprise a cramped and incongruous development, entirely out of character with that along this street and in the wider area.’  ‘The proposal would provide significantly less living space than the minimum [required by the London Plan] for a single storey, one bedroom dwelling suitable for two people.’  ‘The proposal would not provide the on-site parking necessary to meet the Council’s standards. . . As a consequence the proposal would result in harm by exacerbating parking stress in the nearby streets, to the detriment of safe and convenient use by other highway users.’

A full copy of the Inspector’s decision is here.

We will continue to keep you informed of planning applications and other issues in your area.

Ruth, Marlene and Steve