Neighbours criticise plans for three homes in hamlet

PLANS to replace a cottage in Gallowstree Common with three two-storey homes have been criticised by neighbours and a parish council.

Mohsin Ali wants to replace Orchard Cottage in The Hamlet with two four-bedroom and one five-bedroom detached houses.

He said the three new properties would represent more efficient use of the 0.28 ha plot and provide family housing.

The site is currently occupied by a single-storey, two-bedroom cottage, which has been vacant since 2017.

The plans retains the existing site entrance off The Hamlet and also includes the removal of two trees, with four more to be planted in addition to a yew tree as a “focal point” near the drive.

It includes three car parking spaces and secure cycle storage for each property.

In January, Mr Ali was granted permission in principle to build an additional two buildings on the site.

However, neighbours have objected to the size of the homes in the latest plans, which they say do not respect the character of the surrounding area. They also criticised the inclusion of mains drainage, which does not exist in the hamlet, and the landscaping.

Kidmore End Parish Council has also objected, saying it differs from the first proposal as it involves demolishing the existing cottage.

It believes the roof height and size would be “overly dominant” and “out of character” in the sensitive setting.

It said: “The council understands that the existing cottage is uninhabitable and would be difficult to renovate.

“The plans must take into account the ecological and environmental sensitivity of the site as well as the impact of any development on the nine surrounding one-storey and one-and-a-half-storey dwellings.

“The plans must also respect local character.”

Kate and Andrew Hawkins, of Horsepond Road, wrote to South Oxfordshire District Council, the planning authority, and said the size of the homes was “excessive” and resulted in the plot being crowded.

They said: “This is not sympathetic to other homes in The Hamlet. We think three- and four-bedroom houses would be better suited.

“The plans for the boundary screening need to be confirmed on all sides of the plot, particularly beside the access road.

“Given that this directly borders Amber Cottage, we would like to know what is planned to reduce noise and to ensure a safe, secure boundary is in place.

“The planning application mentions mains sewage which is not available in The Hamlet.”

Michael and Gemma Campion, who live in The Hamlet, said one of the homes would impose on their privacy.

They said: “Plot two will tower over the current height of the existing structure and will look straight into our garden.

“At the height it looks [it] will also have line of sight into the windows at the rear of our property, including a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and lounge area. We will lose all privacy which is extremely worrying as things stand.”

Anna Vorster, who lives in The Hamlet, objected to the scale and size of the proposals, as well as the impact on traffic and the loss of trees.

She said: “The site has long served as a haven for wildlife, with the modest footprint of the existing cottage surrounded by largely undeveloped land.

“Tree felling has already occurred on-site, including protected specimens. The loss of further trees, bushes and hedgerows will have a significant impact on the site.”

Jane Burtt said: “There is not enough detail re the landscaping on the site, guarantees needed that the existing hedges bordering The Hamlet and Woodbury Cottage remain for privacy and retaining the character and rurality of the area.

“Sensitive planting and attention to the impact on the diversity of the whole plot is vital to lessen the negatives all the increased traffic will bring with agreements in place for ongoing maintenance of new planting.”

The district council aims to make a decision by December 8.