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Permission for new dwelling in Cheltenham

This application involved the subdivision of an ancillary residential garden studio to a standalone dwelling.  An application had previously been refused due to impact on the Conservation Area, lack of amenity space and unsuitable living arrangements.

Issues

  • The application had previously been refused by Cheltenham Borough Council.
  • The site was constrained by existing structures.
  • Natural light was limited to one elevation and a rooflight.

Outcome

Plainview Planning redesigned the scheme, removing an existing garage to create a car port and small area of amenity space.  The removal of the garage also allowed for a further window to be introduced allowing more natural light into the bedroom area.  The living room area was redesigned to be centred on the rooflight and French doors.

The redesigned scheme was initially met with some negativity by the LPA, who claimed that the studio was not suitable for conversion.  Plainview successfully argued that the housing need outweighed these concerns as the approval would represent a windfall dwelling and help to address the lack of a demonstrable 5-year housing land supply.

The application was subsequently approved under delegated powers.