DIVISIVE plans to replace a Totton bungalow with flats for over-50s have prompted a raft of objections.
Developer Robert Angell is seeking New Forest District Council’s permission to demolish the property Lorraine on Cooks Lane in Calmore, and build 10 flats in its place.
In a planning statement, Mr Angell described the proposed development as an “asset” for the area. He added: “Due to the plot fronting two highways, the design is essentially two front elevations.
Lorraine on Cooks Lane (Google)
“The building is designed to look like a terrace of houses when viewed from Salisbury Road and a simple dwelling when viewed from Cooks Lane.
“The building design has taken a lot of inspiration from the adjacent care home and will have a plethora of similar details and a matching eaves height.”
He claimed the development is “in keeping” with the surrounding area, and said it would free up housing currently occupied by over-50s which is needed for families.
“Further to this, we believe, the buildings’ size and impact is similar to that of the adjacent care home and should be seen favourably,” he concluded.
Registering an objection to the proposal, NFDC’s landscape team pointed out the applicant has submitted neither a landscape and visual impact appraisal, nor a design and access statement.
The objection continues: “The plans are for a replacement block of ten flats for the over-50s spread over three floors, with associated parking, access drive and a small amount of communal outdoor space.
“The block is to be set very close to the Salisbury Road boundary with the access drive, two disabled parking spaces and a small grassed ‘drying area’ fronting Cooks Lane.
“A small courtyard garden is proposed in the middle of the block with parking and bin/bike store to the rear beneath the mature trees.
“The proposals fail to take account of the existing character of Cooks Lane and are therefore not in line with NFDC policy (regarding) a context and landscape-led approach to the siting and design of development.”
Another objector who lives in the area wrote to NFDC to say: “The development remains inappropriate for the area in that it is three storeys high. There are insufficient parking spaces considering the majority of the flats have two bedrooms, and no consideration for visitors.
“This will result in additional on street parking on a road that has limited access. This will cause access issues for refuse lorries, ambulances and other large delivery vehicles.”
Another local objector told the council: “We do not wish to be overlooked by flats, and we believe it would not be in keeping with this area. The reason we moved into this property was for single storey living…I do not want more noise, dust and mess along this small road; enough is enough.”
As reported by the A&T, NFDC planners rejected a proposal to build a dozen flats for over-50s at the Lorraine site in February.