Two-storey house refused by planners (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Two-storey house refused by planners

A COUPLE have appealed to the Secretary of State after their bid to build a two-storey house in a narrow Malmesbury road was refused by planners.

North Wiltshire District Council's development control team has rejected Ed and Ros Tate's proposals to build the house in Harper's Lane, at the rear of 42 Bristol Street.

The couple had applied to build the house, complete with a double garage incorporated into the ground floor, on an area of concrete that is currently used for car parking.

However, the local authority has said the house would be out of character in what is a conservation area and would "detract from the setting of the listed building" of 42 Bristol Street.

The notice of refusal issued by the district council also said: "Harpers Lane by reason of its restricted width, poor alignment and sub-standard junction with the B4040, is considered unsuitable to serve as a means of access to the proposed development."

Mr and Mrs Tate had met with opposition from Bristol Street residents Valerie Lockstone and Ann Brumsen, plus Malmesbury River Valleys Trust and Malmesbury Town Council.

They felt it would spoil the appearance of what they see as a quiet 'country lane' in a town setting.

One critic also labelled it "a sad sign of the times in terms of cupidity and greed."

Mr and Mrs Tate have now appealed against the decision to a Secretary of State appointed planning inspector.

Mr Tate believes the building's design is such that it will have a minimal visual impact on the area and offer an affordable house within walking distance of the town centre.

However, until the exact wording of their appeal has been finalised, Mr Tate has chosen not to comment further.

Anyone wishing to submit comments to the planning inspector must do so before January 27.

Correspondance must be sent in triplicate to: Carol Ann Lee, Room 3/19A, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN, quoting reference APP/J3910/A/05/2005224.