Scheme is 'too big' and will increase congestion, say critics
The front of the property on Coilinette Road. Picture: Google Streetview
March 17, 2023
Plans to build a four-bedroom house next to a 19th century Putney property and in a conservation area, are “too big” according to neighbours opposed to the scheme.
Wandsworth Council is being asked to give planning permission to a scheme which would provide a four-bedroom house and hardstanding for four cars in Colinette Road.
Applicant Eldergrange Ltd, acting for the Exeter-based property owner, is also seeking agreement for the removal of an oak tree and enlargement of one flat in the adjoining building which is within the West Putney Conservation Area.
Town planner Clifford Rance said in a covering letter to the council, “The proposal is in essence to demolish the existing side extension and replace with a larger extension, but to a design more in keeping with the main building and the area.
“The main building will be altered internally to provide better units. The proposal results in an increase in family sized accommodation.”
In 2021, a previous scheme to effectively build a new house on either side of the existing building, with the appearance of a terrace of three houses, was refused because it was felt to be too bulky and would change the street scene.
If the scheme is given permission the work, which involves the demolition of an extension built in the late 20th century, would begin in June and take until April 2024 to complete.
But neighbour Jenny Newhouse, of Colinette Road, said, “The newly erected side extension is too big. The square footage of the overall building is increasing from 436 square metres to 586 square metres.
“You still only have four car parking spaces for more people, which will increase parking congestion around a busy corner of Colinette Road and Howards Lane, which is well used by pedestrians.”
The plans submitted by the developer
Lisa Grainger, also of Colinette Road, added, “It will significantly overlook my garden. If this building is erected, it will block out light from the south into my garden. Because it is planned to be right up to the fence, it will also look into my garden - invading my privacy.
“Planning also says a tree will be taken out - not what we want. It is proportionately too wide - so out of keeping with the house. The size of the side house extension will block light into Colinette Road. There is no car parking currently. Now this plan states that there will be four, increasing the traffic.”
And Andrew Musson, from Howards Lane, said, “Given the high cost of residential accommodation in the area, the owner of each and every property in Colinette Road has a strong financial incentive to construct such "garden grab" infill developments, to the maximum height and width available.
“The end result of this, if left unchecked, would be for Colinette Road to become like a solid brick canyon - clearly such an outcome is unwanted and unacceptable.
“We do recognise that this proposal is far less drastic than the one for this same site which was denied planning permission several months ago. We are also conscious of the current proposal's positive efforts in areas such as energy conservation. We believe that our objection would be quite adequately addressed were planning permission granted subject to conditions that no further development be permitted on the site.”
Nick Bailey, of Tree Projects, who provided a report to the council on behalf of the developers, said the scheme does not seek or require the removal of any “significant trees”.
His report said that of 13 plants surveyed, 12 are trees and one a shrub, (an Elder). The proposal seeks to remove the Elder and a small self-seeded Evergreen Oak positioned at the base of one of the brick boundary walls.
Mr Bailey said the oak was not growing in a sustainable location and “its removal is justified on arboricultural grounds i.e. remove it before it damages the adjacent wall”.
Where one front garden magnolia is removed, it will be replaced with two advanced nursery stock specimens of ‘Magnolia Galaxy’, he added.
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