Comments on 26/02001/CLAMA | Prior approval for the change of use of the ground floor from Use Class Eg(iii) to form 8 no. x 1 bedroom flats. | 158 Blackamoor Lane

A similar application has been made previously, 25/00007/CLAMA, and the comments made by the Society for that application have not been fully addressed. Roof lights have been added, but the site remains heavily constrained by the proximity of boundary fences. This makes pedestrian access to some of the apartments problematic. Some windows face directly at or over the fences and into neighbouring gardens. There is no space allowed for deliveries and for visitors to park. The distance for a fire escape appears to exceed the 7m maximum desirable distance from bedrooms via the kitchen for some of the apartments.

The rear access lane may not be wide enough for two vehicles to pass and to accommodate emergency vehicles. The ownership of this access would need to be established, together with provision for maintenance.

Whilst the Society is supportive of reusing buildings whenever possible, the former workshop and office building does not blend with the surrounding residential area. The comments from residents on the previous planning application indicate that they are universally opposed to this development, which maintains some of the aspects which caused a rejection previously. We therefore object to this application.

The tilted balance rule has now been superseded by NPPF policies S3 and S4. There are so many adverse aspects of this application that any presumption in favour of approval should not apply.   Back To Listing