Application no. 21/P1278

Ward: Village

Recommendation: Grant planning permission subject to conditions

RESOLVED that the application number 21/P1278 be GRANTED planning permission subject to conditions.

Proposal: Demolition of existing dwelling house and garage and erection of a replacement dwelling and installation of a bin store and cycle parking.

The Committee noted the report and the plans presented by the Development Control Team Leader (North). The Committee also noted the modifications sheet contained in the supplementary agenda.

Two objectors had registered to speak in relation to the proposed scheme, and at the request of the Chair, had raised a number of points, including

·        the proposal was out of character with surrounding propties;

·        the proposal did not comply with Merton's policies and conservation area law;

·         the sloping roofs were not similar to the surrounding as stated in the report.

The applicant’s and its agent had registered to speak, and at the request of the Chair, addressed the concerns raised regarding the replacement of the

existing dwelling with a new contemporary design. The proposal offered an

opportunity to replace a building which had no significant historic

importance or architectural merit with a new high quality dwelling which

would substantially reduce carbon emissions.

The proposal had been carefully considered to ensure it not only enhanced the immediate context but also the conservation area as a whole. The scheme was a contemporary design which adopted contextual element such as traditional brickwork sloped roof forms and a modest scale. The sloped used roof would create a harmonious well-balanced appearance and maintained a low ridge line to neighbouring properties. Furthermore, the proposed scheme contemporary design would not harm neighbours.

In response to members’ question, members attention was drawn to page 299 (7.9) on the report which stated that the proposal involved the demolition of the existing dwelling and replacement with a new house that was slightly larger in terms of its footprint and height. The overall height to the ridge would be 1.67m higher than the existing chalet bungalow. Dwellings within Clement Road are varied in height but were generally two storey, some with room in the roof space. However, the recently constructed property located adjacent, at no. 9 is three-storey in height. It is considered that the proposed dwellings scale and massing would not have a detrimental impact upon the street scene and would be appropriate having regard to the scale of the buildings in the road and surroundings.

The Chair moved to the vote on the officer’s recommendation and it was

RESOLVED that the application number 21/P1278 be GRANTED planning permission subject to conditions.