By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
“Shocking” plans to extend a garden building to create an annexe at a Cheltenham home have been given the go-ahead.
Architectural consultant Roby Mekkara has been granted permission by Cheltenham Borough Council to go ahead with the works at 103 Shurdington Road.
The scheme includes the extension to an existing garden building and to use the garden annexes as ancillary to the main house.
The proposal was referred to the planning committee on March 27 by Councillor Jackie Chelin (LD, Park) amid concerns over highways safety, lack of parking, noise impact on neighbouring properties and the use of the building as an annexe.
Some seven neighbouring residents objected and raised concerns there was no additional parking provided to cater for the increase in residents.
They also raised highways safety concerns due to crossing over cycle route and would constitute overdevelopment of the existing home..
They also said it would lead to noise and disturbance from use of building and is a flood and pollution risk.
Mark Smith, an objector, spoke at the meeting and called on councillors to reject the scheme.
He said the planning application was incorrect and raised concerns over flooding.
Built as garden outbuildings should be a full application. “The stream is Hatherley Brook, designated a main river by the Environment Agency,” he said.
“I offered video footage of the brook full. I got no response from the council.” He said the danger of flooding has now increased and should use flood proof materials.
“The applicant knew in May 2021, he needed space for a family member. He could have applied with the rear extension to do a loft conversion as did 101 Shurdington Road.”
Mr Smith also said the proposed tin roof did not reflect the character of the surrounding area and would cause a noise nuisance to nearby bedrooms during rain or hail storms.
The site falls within flood zones two and three however the main home does not.
The EA was consulted but did not comment.
A flood risk assessment of the site found it falls within a flood zone 3b which is a functional floodplain land where water has to flow or be stored in times of flood.
Officers acknowledged the concerns of flooding but said the proposed extension to the outbuilding could be carried out under permitted development with a lower roof.
They considered that the proposed annexe occupants would not be at risk as it would be incidental to the main home.
Officers considered the proposed development acceptable. And councillors voted to approve the scheme
Councillor Tony Oliver said he could not see any real objections to the proposals as it was only extending what was already there.
“Were we to be increasing the flood risk with a space of a building but what is already there in the gap between the end of the current building and the fence is all hard standing.
“I can’t see any objection on increased flood risk myself. So I’m happy to support this.
Mr Smith shouted “shocking” as he left the council chamber at the Municipal Offices. The committee approved the proposals by five votes in favour with three abstentions.