211073
Permission for the construction of a single storey extension to the rear of the dwelling house, for the conversion of the attic space to residential use and for the installation of velux roof lights to same, for the change of use of the basement to a self contained studio apartment including new entrance porch to the rear, for the change of use of an existing two storey outbuilding to a self contained studio apartment including new entrance door and window onto Buttercrane Lane, for a new pedestrian entrance gate from the rear garden onto Buttercrane Lane and for associated site works
Core Refusal Reason
The proposed development constitutes overdevelopment of a constrained site and fails to meet national apartment design standards, resulting in a substandard living environment for future occupants and a loss of privacy for neighboring residents.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The proposed studio apartments fail to comply with the 'Design Standards for New Apartments 2020' due to inadequate natural light, insufficient bedroom widths, and a total lack of dedicated private amenity space and storage for refuse or bicycles.
- The conversion of the rear outbuilding (Unit 3) is considered substandard due to an insufficient ground floor ceiling height of 2.27m, which falls below the 2.4m requirement for habitable rooms set out in building regulations.
- The intensification of use represents overdevelopment of the site, leading to unacceptable levels of overlooking and a lack of privacy for both the residents of No. 22 Barrack Street and the future occupants of the proposed units.