Ravensbourne Valley Residents

In the decision refusing the application, reference number 15/01031, it was said the proposed development, by reason of its bulk and design, would result in a harmful overbearing feature, out of character with the surrounding area.

However, the applicants went to appeal on 31 March 2016 and won. The Appeal Decision dated 6 July 2016 is available (it is not clear why this has not come to light before).

The inspector believes that there is no particular townscape reason why the proposal should be similar in style to the existing, provided the design itself is of good quality and is appropriate to the area. In that respect a contemporary design approach would be adopted, which whilst being different to its neighbours, would complement them through the use of materials used in the vicinity with regard to brick type and timber boarding. The overall appearance would not be over dominant, particularly in relation to the 2 storey terrace opposite. Additionally, the proposed articulation and set back on the south west corner, would help to provide an acceptable transition in scale to the 2 storey housing in Ravensmead Road to the south. The intervening footpath would also help in that respect.

Although there would be a greater area of built form than is currently the case, the majority of the site area is currently hard surfaced in the form of a road access and parking area and does not contribute to the quality of open space found elsewhere on the estate. The area of green open space directly opposite would be retained, apart from the addition of the relocated sub-station, and there would be additional landscaping at the front, between the parking spaces, which would soften the expanse of hard surfacing which exists at present. Given the current poor visual appearance of the site, he considers that in overall terms the proposed development would make a positive visual contribution at the entrance to the estate and with a high quality and bold design approach.

Thus he believes the character and appearance of the area would not be harmed. The proposed development would therefore comply with Policies BE1 and H7 of the Council’s UDP in that it would provide a high standard of design and layout and would meet the detailed design criteria set out within those policies.