On Friday I visited a group of residents who are concerned about a planning applicaiton for outline permission for one dwelling in land at the rear of 44 Park Road Whitchurch. the only access to the site is via an unadopted lane which is some 80 metres long and only around 3 metres wide. Clearly there are serious concerns about the access arrangments! I have written to the Planning Department to object. See my letter below
RE: OUTLINE PLANNING APPLICATION FOR A SINGLE DWELLING
LAND AT THE REAR OF
I am writing to voice my strong objections to the above application, which has recently been submitted.
I have met with a number of residents in the area who are extremely concerned above these proposals, in particular, the impact that the application would have on access. The only access to the application site is via a very narrow unadopted lane, which is almost 80 metres in length. At its narrowest point the lane is just 2.68 metres and indeed even at its widest point, is around 3.7 metres. Indeed, a large part of the lane is around just 3 metres and considering its length, I do feel that it is entirely inappropriate to grant consent for another dwelling on the application site. You will be aware that an almost identical application for detailed planning permission was submitted in 2003 and although the applicant withdrew this application, I understand that it was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the problems with the access.
I enclose for your information a copy of the officer’s report, which was due to go to Planning Committee on 18th June 2003. Although the applicant is now proposing a vehicle pull-in area, I do not believe that this will in any way address the problems with access, as the proposed pull-in area is at the beginning of the lane and there is still a considerable length to travel from this point to the application site.
I would also bring to your attention the fact that similar applications for a bungalow on this site were refused by the Council in the late 1980s and were subject to an appeal which was dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds that the access was unsuitable. Clearly, it has been recognised previously by both our Planning Officers and by the Planning Inspector that the lane would not be able to accommodate refuge collection vehicles to serve the dwelling on the application site and neither would it comply with Fire Service access. In particular the narrow lane it seems would hinder the operation of fire appliances as the operators need to access the side of their vehicles and the width of the lane would not permit this. I do not see any way that the pull-in area, which is currently being proposed, would address this problem.
I am, therefore, asking officers to take into account these representations and also the safety concerns and access arrangements for pedestrians which would be impeded should a new dwelling be constructed at the top of this lane.
I have spoken to the Case Office, who advises me that the application may come to Planning Committee in February and I am formally requesting at this point, that should this application be recommended for approval that the Planning Committee agree to a site visit as I do believe it is extremely important for them to see for themselves both the length and narrowness of the lane in question.
I would be grateful if you could keep me updated on progress in relation to this application. I enclose for your information a copy of the Officer’s Report of 2003 and a copy of the Planning Inspector’s decision from 1987. I am also copying this letter to Roger Waters in Traffic & Transportation for his comments.
Best wishes.
Yours sincerely
SOPHIE HOWE
LABOUR COUNTY COUNCILLOR
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