For over two years I have been helping local residents fight a planning battle against a new development opposite my former home. The fight is not against the principle of development but solely on its design merits.
The site, a two storey ex-warehouse used for many years as offices, was purchased three years ago by a developer intent on demolishing it and rebuilding as a more lucrative four storey block of single bed flats. Throughout, officers supported the scheme, dismissing residents’ objections that the proposed development was too homogenous (undermining the sustainable mix of uses), too intrusive and over-bearing (on neighbouring homes) and too ugly. Planning officers recommended it for approval twice and on both occasions the scheme has been knocked back by the planning committee. Following an appeal it has now also been rejected by a Planning Inspector.