Council row ends with ‘restricted bungalow’ getting green light after initial application rejected over ‘visual harm’
A controversial bungalow development in Derby has been given the green light by the Planning Inspectorate – despite the local council having initially rejected it.
The two-bedroom property on Burlington Road in Mackworth had previously been refused planning permission by Derby City Council over concerns about “visual harm” to the area’s character.
The development, proposed by a local resident, will now proceed after a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
The applicant had argued the new home would provide “much-needed accommodation” and be “a positive addition to the area”.
The new bungalow will be constructed next to a larger two-storey house on Burlington Road, replacing an existing detached garage.
A planning statement submitted with the application emphasised that the development “would provide a high-quality living environment”.
The statement also assured that the proposals “will not have a negative effect on highway safety or on any adjacent properties”.
The development was presented as an efficient use of available land within Mackworth, on the northwest edge of Derby
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Derby City Council’s initial rejection cited concerns that the development “would result in visual harm to the character and appearance of this part of Burlington Road”.
Planning officers specifically pointed to the bungalow’s “atypical form, scale, its size relative to the plot and cramped squeezed layout” as causes for concern.
There were additional worries about the living conditions for future residents of the property.
Council officials warned that occupants of the “restricted” bungalow might not receive “an acceptable level of privacy and amenity space” under the proposed plans.
The rejection prompted the applicant to launch an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the council’s concerns, saying the development would fit in with buildings in the area.
The Inspectorate said the proposed bungalow was similar to properties on the other side of the street, providing “consistency reflecting the planned estate composition”.
“Despite the restricted nature of the plot… the proposed development would not appear over-intensive or contrived,” the Inspectorate said.
In its final ruling, the Inspectorate concluded: “The proposed development would be in accordance with the development plan as a whole… development proposals should be approved without delay.”