In March, Sutton Council turned down a planning application (no. DM2018/00163) for the construction of four houses on land to the rear of 53, 55 and 57 Aultone Way.

The applicant appealed against the decision, and we have now heard that the Planning Inspector has upheld Sutton’s decision.

The Inspector said: ‘In this location, the deep and verdant gardens of the appeal site, . . , provide a sylvan backdrop to the houses on these streets, and contribute significantly to the spacious character and verdant appearance of the area. . .  Whilst the new dwellings would be visible from the street, seen at the end of the drive and above the neighbouring bungalow, their positioning in a back garden location would be at odds with the existing urban grain. . . This cluster of built development within a swathe of garden land would erode the predominantly open and natural appearance of the site and have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area. The undeveloped nature of the appeal site contributes significantly to the outlook for the occupiers of this property.’

The inspector concluded that the proposal would have a harmful effect on the character and appearance of the area; on the living conditions of neighbouring residents; and on the future longevity and health of neighbouring trees.  ‘It would conflict with the development plan and in particular with Policy 13 of the Sutton Local Plan, 2018 (LP) which seeks to resist the development of back garden land which makes an important contribution to the character and appearance of the area.’

Your Lib Dem Council decided that the extra housing needed to meet the government’s targets will be built in Sutton’s town centre, and has strong policies to prevent back garden development.

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