By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans for 24 homes in Gedling have been approved by councillors despite concerns over existing residents’ privacy.
Developer WFW Developments Ltd brought forward the plans for land at Grange View Road, on an overgrown site close to existing homes.
The plans include a mix of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes which will all be two or 2.5 storeys, including two for affordable rent and three for first-time buyers.
It would be accessed from Grange View Road and via a footway on either side of the development.
The plans are part of the wider Willow Farm development, which has already been granted consent for 110 houses.
Councillors debated the 24 home plans on Wednesday (January 11) and granted planning consent.
However, the planning committee meeting heard from Philip Oddie, of the Willow Farm Action Group, who raised concerns about the impact on existing homes.
He told councillors: “The layout of the houses on the southern edge of the development will result in significant harm to the residential amenity currently enjoyed by existing residents.
“We see little evidence in this application that this has been considered. The applicant’s intention to construct two-storey houses on elevated terraces … will only serve to maximise the negative impact.
“The height, bulk and position of these new houses will dominate neighbouring properties and will result in the occupants having close-up views into the rear rooms and gardens of existing homes.
“The impact of the applicant’s plan will be devastating.”
Councillor Andrew Ellwood (Lib Dem), the ward member for Phoenix, shared these concerns.
He said: “It’s really quite noticeable how seven of the proposed houses are really overlooking the existing houses.
“It is so overbearing for those existing residents and would look incongruous to my mind.
“I think with maybe a little more imagination, something better could have been proposed.”
The committee had initially discussed deferring the plans and asking the developer to outline a visual impact assessment for the scheme.
This deferment was proposed by Cllr Chris Barnfather (Con), who represents Newstead Abbey, but was voted down.
In the meeting, Cllr Barnfather said: “I do not think we have sufficient information to make the decision today.
“I believe these properties are overbearing and impactful on the quality of life of residents of the existing properties.
“For that reason, I can’t support the application as it is.”
However, other councillors spoke in favour of the development and it was ultimately granted planning permission in line with officer recommendations.
Cllr Paul Wilkinson (Lab), who represents Carlton, said: “We have to accept Gedling is a hilly borough.
“There are houses all across the borough where there are big differences in height.
“It’s not unusual for the borough of Gedling. The principle of development has been established and I think I’m happy with what’s proposed.”
Cllr Pete Barnes (Lab), who represents Daybrook, added: “I think it’s a decent-sized development.
“These probably will sell because it’s quite pleasant down there now we’ve got the relief road and it’s quite easily accessed.
“I think it’ll be a very nice development.”
The plans were approved subject to the developer agreeing to significant financial contributions.
This includes £15,000 for bus stop enhancements, £131,270 for education and £12,680 for open space maintenance.
