Neighbours criticise plan to build house between two others

PLANS to build a new house in between two others in Henley have been criticised by neighbours.

Colin Brathwaite, of Western Road, has applied for planning permission for a self-build two-bedroom detached property in Cromwell Road.

The proposed plot is 6.7m wide and 30m long and would sit on a sloping section of land between numbers 7 and 9.

A design and access statement by Sam Tisdall Architects noted that there was a “significant fall” from the front to the rear of the plot of about 3m.

Residents objected due to the narrowness of the plot and the impact on neighbouring properties.

Andy Gadsby, who lives at Western Road, adjacent to Cromwell Road, spoke on behalf of four residents at a meeting of the town council’s planning committee on Tuesday last week. He said: “We would like to object to the proposal on the basis that there is a significant number of issues with it.

“For example, the plot dimensions listed in the application are different to those approved in pre-planning advice. We also feel the design statement trivialises the impact that it does have on all four neighbouring properties.

“Because it’s also falling to the rear of numbers seven and nine, it’s going to have a huge impact on them. The actual narrowness of the plot makes the build extremely difficult.

“The foundations to support the house are going to be significant because it slopes downwards and sidewards so you will have to provide big foundations which will have a huge impact on number seven and you will also have to stop the house sliding into number nine.”

Mr Gadsby also said the proposed property would affect houses at number 22 and 24. He said: “The ground floor windows look directly into five bedrooms at the same level so the degree of overlooking and overshadowing is going to be immense.”

Mr Brathwaite defended his plans for the land, which he owns. He said: “This immediate area is my home and it has been for a long time. In my opinion, this is exactly the type of property that Henley needs.

“It’s affordable, which will allow young people to live and work in Henley. I’ve taken pre-planning advice from South Oxfordshire District Council and I’ve acted on the advice of [planning officer] Simon Kitson.

“He requested that the roof and eaves height be reduced and we complied and we’re reducing it by almost 1m.

“The highest point of this self-build will sit considerably lower than 5 Cromwell Road, which already overlooks the property behind it in Western Road.

“The visual mass of the proposal is modest and would have adequate amenity space in which I have planned to plant small native trees which promote biodiversity.”

Mr Brathwaite, who is also a member of the town council’s Henley in Bloom sub-committee, added: “This proposal would allow me to be very near my mother while caring for her.”

The committee recommended the plans were refused because of concerns over the amenity impact on neighbouring properties in Cromwell Road and Western Road. It also suggested that there should be a site visit by the case officer to evaluate the impact.

The district council, the planning authority, will make a final decision by February 3.