Neighbours fear loss of trees for garden studio

PLANS to extend a bungalow in Henley have been criticised by neighbours.

Lucy Marsh, of Valley Road, wants to demolish her existing garage and shed and build a single-storey side extension.

She is also looking to build a garden room with a flat roof to house a studio and gym with shower.

The extension would create an entrance hall, study, an open-plan living and kitchen area to the rear, with an adjacent shower and utility room at the front.

A design and access statement by Simon Mack Architecture said that “careful consideration” had been given to ensure adjacent bungalows are not affected and that their right to light is respected.

He added: “This upgrade will enhance both the aesthetic appeal and the energy performance of the property.

“Full-height glazing to the rear will allow for improved natural daylight, further reducing energy consumption.”

However, residents have sent objections to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority.

Former Olympic rower Miriam Luke, of Chiltern Close, said she was concerned about the size and location of the garden room and was worried about excess noise and loss of privacy.

Mrs Luke said: “There are currently two very tall trees, a diseased, ivy-clad horse chestnut and an evergreen. What will happen to the two trees when the studio/gym is built?

“Currently we enjoy the privacy they create for our gardens and house, however they are also very tall and obscure sunshine from our solar panels for a few hours in the morning.”

Samantha Petrie, of Chiltern Close, said the height of the garden room would affect the amenity of their garden.

She said: “The garden room is too close to our boundary. The garden room listed as a gym/studio, together with the proposed shower room, raises concerns that it will be used as a an Airbnb-type rental or used for classes by the public, thereby affecting amenity of the garden through noise.”

Mayor Rory Hunt and Councillor Michelle Thomas spoke against the development during a planning meeting on Tuesday last week.

Cllr Hunt said: “I think it’s overdevelopment and the impact on the trees is significant. The potential for light pollution is fairly high.”

Cllr Thomas agreed and said she was most concerned about there being a studio.

She said: “The neighbours are very concerned that the development is very near the boundary and they are concerned for their own amenity.

“Two of the neighbours believe the studio is going to be of harm.

“The studio sits very high because of its position so it will be very visible for those people who want to enjoy their garden. We should say it needs to be ancillary to the main dwelling because I think they mentioned it could be turned into some kind of Airbnb.”

But deputy mayor Tom Buckley said he didn’t see the plans causing “significant harm” or impact.

Councillor Laurence Plant suggested mitigation should be given to consider whether the plants would be replaced.

The committee recommended approval, subject to the provision of a replacement planting scheme.

The district council will make a final decision by April 30.