The Planning Committee approved application no. B2016/75975 to demolish the garage block at the rear of Southfields Court and build eight one-bedroom flats in a two-storey block.

A similar application had been turned down last June on the grounds that the demolition of the garages would increase pressure on street parking in the area.  In the new application, the developer had produced evidence that very few of the garages were currently used for parking, and most were used for storage or were empty.  In addition the new proposal proposed eight additional parking spaces.

Twelve comments had been received from residents raising concerns about loss of parking; overlooking and loss of privacy; increased noise and disturbance, loss of light and outlook; and the impact on the character of the area.

Steve spoke at the committee in support of residents, especially on safety of the access so close to the by-pass junction.  He also expressed concern that although the development is on ‘brown field’ land, it is in effect like a back-garden development, being behind Southfields Court, Fairlands Ave, and Reigate Ave, and would have an impact on residents’ amenity.  He was also concerned that the developer could later apply to put additional flats in the roof, as they had done with the main block.

The Committee considered these points.  Officers advised that the parking and the relationship with neighbouring properties were in line with planning policies, and there were no planning reasons why the application should be refused.

The report that was discussed at Committee is here.

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