A RESIDENT was granted planning permission to demolish his home and garage in Conwy and rebuild the property, despite concerns from neighbours about disruption and traffic problems.
Daniel Gahan was granted permission to demolish his semi-detached home and garage at Maes y Llan, Conwy, and build a new, slightly larger property in its place at the end of the cul-de-sac.
Conwy’s planning committee heard how the site slopes from front to rear and has a garden extending to the back of the property.
Councillors were told there are several mature trees along the boundary to the east with Bryn Tirion Park, with the surrounding area made up of houses of a similar size and design.
Parking is proposed towards the front of the dwelling off the adjacent road.
But despite numerous objections from neighbours, council officers advised the committee to back the plans, and councillors voted in favour of the application.
Planning officers concluded: “The application seeks permission for the demolition of the existing semi-detached dwelling and existing sectional garage and proposed erection of a new replacement semi-detached dwelling, which is slightly larger but can be accommodated on the site. There are no officer objections in regards to impacts on visual amenity, adjoining residential amenity, parking, and biodiversity. Officers consider that the proposals can be supported and are in line with development plan policies.”
Mr and Mrs Hammond live at Bryn Tirion Park and wrote to the council to object.
“Work has commenced on site with the removal of the garage and excavation works underway,” they said.
“This has seen an increase in traffic to the street and at times has made it difficult when exiting and entering the cul-de-sac for residents and visitors alike due to work vans parking in the only turning point.
“Whilst we appreciate the need to have contractors on site, and understand that this is not permanent, the disruption caused by a demolition and complete rebuild would take considerably longer and cause prolonged noise and disturbance to our normally tranquil cul-de-sac than that of an extension alone.
“We are also concerned that the plans do not show any future off-road parking facilities for the proposed development. This would pose problems when new owners move in, as most homes are multi-vehicle owners, and this does not appear to have been addressed in the submitted plans.”
Joy Wilkinson also wrote: “As far as I can see, the proposed building would overlook my property and garden to such an extent to impinge upon the privacy of my tenants, unless measures were put in place to prevent this.
“Without such measures, they would be open to constant observation thus putting stress on them and reducing their ability to relax at home and enjoy their environment.”
P and G Gardwell also submitted a letter of objection to Conwy’s planning department.
“We have viewed the application online and can see no provision for off-street parking,” they said.
“This is a serious concern as it may result in the occupants or their guests parking in the turning area, making it difficult for other vehicles to manoeuvre safely.”
Resident Sandra Roberts wrote: “The amount (number) of large vehicles will cause a blockage in the cul-de-sac and may prohibit or cause considerable difficulty getting in or out.
“This may lead to cars having to reverse out of the cul-de-sac onto the main road up the estate.”
Harry Ward also had concerns about parking, claiming the development could lead to vehicles reversing back onto the main road.
In his letter, Roy Day added: “One of my greatest pleasures is sitting in my living room watching the world go by whilst watching football or listening to some music. I also love to sit in my garden admiring the 360-degree views, listening to the birds whilst reading a book.
“The anticipation of any new development which would impact in terms of noise, disturbance, and visual intrusion is already having an impact on my health, wellbeing, and quality of life.”
Speaking on behalf of his son Daniel, who owned the property, Simon Gahan said at the meeting: “Daniel resides at the moment in Dolgarrog but wants to move back to Conwy where he was born and lived for the first six years of his childhood.”
Mr Simon Gahan addressed the neighbours’ concerns and said their health and wellbeing was their ‘top priority’.
He added: “There is off-road parking on this property, and no work vans have impeded any vehicles needing to access the turnaround.”
Mr Gahan then added that the existing house already overlooked neighbours’ properties.
Cllr Alan Hunter proposed the committee backed the plans, this was seconded by Cllr Nia Owen, and the committee voted in favour of the application.
