Scheme to build house in garden brings objections

Paul Whitehouse

A PLAN to build a house in the garden of an existing home in Sheffield has attracted widespread objections and is being recommended for refusal.

Officials from Sheffield Council say the proposal, in Main Street, Grenoside, is “inappropriate” because it would involve the loss of garden and openness to the site.

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They also believe the scheme would involve the “excessive” removal of stone wall, eroding the character of the area.

The application involves splitting the garden of a property on the corner of Main Road and Vicarage Close and building a new two-storey home with access from Vicarage Close.

The application is due to be considered by councillors today but there have been 10 letters of objection, including two with observations from local councillors and the Grenoside Conservation Society.

Among concerns raised is that the house would be out of character with others in the area and it would make the site appear over-developed.

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Objectors also point to the loss of dry stone walling, the fact that the site is an Area of Special Character and that neighbouring properties may be overshadowed.

Ecclesfield Parish Council has also submitted objections including the loss of green space and concerns about the effect on wildlife.

Planning officials describe the garden involved as “lengthy” but state the existing property and new home would be left with gardens which appeared “significantly smaller” than others in the immediate vicinity, and out of character.

“The dwelling would appear squeezed into the site,” states a report to the council’s North and West Planning Board, which is chaired by Coun Arthur Dunworth.

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They will be told the plans for the new building had been designed so “significant overlooking issues would not arise”.

The report to councillors states: “The subdivision and development of this plot would reduce the open character formed by the lengthy back gardens.

“The subdivision would create a tight site that would appear over-developed with a dwelling having inadequate amenity space around it and being in too closer proximity to neighbouring residential property.

“The scheme would harm the enjoyment of these neighbouring properties.

The report adds that the loss of the front boundary wall is considered “unacceptable to the visual amenities and character of the area”.