Most residents will know that the planning application DM2018/00250 for the erection of a detached two storey, 3-bedroom house on garden land at 42 Blenheim Road, was REFUSED by the Planning Committee in early June.  Local residents and Cllr Steve Penneck spoke against the proposal, expressing concerns around overdevelopment, failing to respect the local character, and the loss of parking.

We have now received the decision letter from the Planning Dept which gives the reason for refusal as:  ‘The proposal would cause material harm and would represent an overdevelopment of the site, resulting in a cramped development, reducing the level of amenity space, leading to an adverse effect on the area.’

We will continue to keep a close watch on planning developments on this site.

The houses in Blenheim Road do have a strong local character.  They were probably built just after the Sutton/ Wimbledon railway line was opened in 1930.  There are similar houses at the end of Hallmead Road, and also a few of the same style in the Broomloan Lane/ Clensham Lane area.

Steve has talked to Council officers about making the houses in Blenheim/ Hallmead an Area of Special Local Character (ASLC).  These are small areas where their character adds a distinctiveness to the heritage of the Borough.  Council policies expect development within an ASLC to conserve and enhance its character and appearance.  Such a designation would not prevent any development but it would be a further factor that would need to be taken into account.

To put forward a case for ASLC status would need some research into the building of the houses in Blenheim Road.  If anyone is interested in helping with this, please let us know.