PLANNERS have given the green light for two semi-detached homes to be built in the garden of an existing house.
The outline application, which also shows how part of a hedge will be removed to provide a shared vehicle access for the three homes to Grove Park Avenue, in Pontnewydd, Cwmbran, has been given outline approval with detailed design plans and other matters to be determined at a later date.
Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department received comments from five residents with three objections, one in support and another that was described as neither objecting to or supporting the application submitted by a Mr A Hann of the existing home Bella Vista.
Objections included concerns over privacy and overlooking, parking as part of the site is currently used for off-road parking, road safety due to increased traffic and visibility with one comment stating: “The local road network is currently operating at capacity, with regular congestion during peak hours.”
Planning officer Mia McAndrew, whose report approved the application, said the highways department was satisfied with the access as a 25 metre visibility spray can be achieved though the hedgerow would need to be reduced to 0.9m or less to provide a clear view.
Ms McAndrew’s report said side windows would have to be avoided, when the final design is considered, due to the close proximity to neighbouring properties and stated: “The indicative plans show that the dwellings could have a suitable scale and private gardens which would create suitable living conditions for future occupiers.”
A large Cypress shrub and section of hedgerow along the northern boundary will be removed to create the access and the Rowan tree on the western boundary is likely to be removed to accommodate two houses. A Pear tree at the back of the site will be retained, along with most of the hedgerow.
The number of bedrooms hasn’t been confirmed, which means the parking requirements for the development are also unconfirmed and while indicative plans have indicated the driveway could accommodate two parking spaces for each house Ms McAndrew said due to the location, close to the centre of Pontnewydd, this could be acceptable despite falling short of the council’s guidance.