Plans refused for bungalow in back garden of South Shields home after string of objections

A bid to build a bungalow in the back garden of a family home in South Shields has been thrown out by council planners.
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Plans were lodged with South Tyneside Council’s planning department in 2020 for a plot of land at the rear of a property on Moore Avenue in the Harton ward.

This included building a bungalow, a new rear boundary wall and a detached garage, alongside alterations to the garage attached to the host property to allow vehicular access through to the rear.

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A design and access statement, submitted with the planning application on behalf of the applicant, also gave an insight into the thinking behind the plan.

The decision was made by South Tyneside Council's planning departmentThe decision was made by South Tyneside Council's planning department
The decision was made by South Tyneside Council's planning department

The planning document confirmed the bungalow would be used “by the applicants for their own occupancy and the original house [would] be occupied by other members of the applicants’ family.”

However, during consultation plans sparked opposition from neighbours with around 25 objections from residents of Moore Avenue, North Avenue, West Avenue and Readhead Road.

Issues ranged from the visual impact of the bungalow and proposed three metre high rear boundary wall to light pollution from proposed rooflights, noise and parking issues.

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After considering all representations, South Tyneside Council’s planning department refused the application on May 24, 2021.

The main reasons for refusal included the bungalow development’s impact on the existing character of the area and residential amenity, due to vehicles being able to access the rear garden area.

A decision report from planners reads: “At present all vehicles movements and vehicle parking is undertaken from the fronts of the properties and the soft landscaping and undeveloped gardens to the rear of the properties combine to create a pleasant and tranquil amenity space for the residents.

“The loss of this space would be material and harmful.

“The proposed built form and layout would therefore be at odds with the existing character and appearance of this part of South Shields.

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“As such, this development would not convey sensitive consideration of its surroundings as it would erode the amenity value of the existing garden space and the positive contribution that this space has upon the amenity value of this area.”

The council decision report adds that the proposals would increase “noise and general disturbance to the rear of the existing properties.”

It goes on to say: “The rear gardens of these neighbouring properties currently combine with the rear garden of the application site to provide a tranquil undeveloped space which is enjoyed by all of the residents in this area.

“The proposal would result in the loss of this undeveloped space and it would intensify activities at the site to the detriment of residential amenity.”

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The applicant has the right to appeal the planning decision with the Planning Inspectorate.

Further details of the application and council’s decision to refuse can be found by visiting South Tyneside Council’s online planning portal.

When considering planning applications, officers look at the layout, position, design and external appearance of buildings, access, impact on the neighbourhood and highway safety issues in relation to a proposed development.

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