Today planning application 22/02167/FULL was refused much to the relief of local residents.
You can read more on the RBWM Planning Portal
I have extracted the main reasons below…
Reasons for Refusal
1. The proposed dwelling in the location proposed would harm the visual amenities, and character of the site and wider area. The proposal would result in the loss of open space with contributes to the character of this area. In addition, important trees which contribute to the character of the area and the adjacent designated Local Green Space would be lost as a result of this development. As such the proposal would be contrary to Policy QP3 of the Borough Local Plan, policy DES.01 of the Windsor Local Plan (2021), the Borough Wide Design Guide SPD and Section 12 of the NPPF.
2. The applicant has failed to provide any ecological information to the Council in support of the application. Having regard to the requirements of the Habitat Regulations, in the absence of this information the Local Planning Authority, as decision makers, cannot be certain that the proposals would not affect a European Protected Species. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy NR2 of the Borough Local Plan, Section 15 of the NPPF and Circular 06/2005.
3. The applicant has failed to submit appropriate information demonstrating how the proposed dwellings would work towards minimising CO2 emissions within the development, nor how it would achieve net-zero carbon. As such, the proposal is considered to have failed to consider or satisfy the context of Policy SP2 of the Borough Local Plan, the Councils Interim Sustainability Statement as well as the context of the NPPF (2021).
4. The submitted tree plan does not match the proposed development as shown on the proposed block plan. The submitted tree plan does show that the proposed dwelling would make an incursion into the root protection area of a category A tree, which is covered by a woodland are preservation order. This is against the advice set out in the British Standard for trees in relation to design, demolition and construction. The scheme fails to comply with policy NR3 of the Adopted Local Plan.
5. The access/drive to serve the proposed dwelling, as shown on the proposed block plan is not within the application site area. As such, the plans are not accurate and it is not possible to assess the suitability of this proposed access/drive.
Informatives
1 It should be noted that the Council’s records show the application site to be adopted highway. The agent has completed certificate A of the application forms, which would be the incorrect certificate if the applicant is not the sole of owner of the application site.
