Controversial plan to build 'incongruous' houses in Lakeland village refused
A CONTENTIOUS proposal to build three houses in a Lake District Village has been refused.
Permission has been denied by the Lake District National Park Authority to build three one-bedroomed two-storey houses in Eskdale Green.
Outline approval in principle for the scheme was granted in 2020 on appeal, but the Development Control Committee has rejected an application to approve the plan for the development, due to it's 'incongruous' design, mass and volume.
The site in question is an undeveloped piece of land to the rear of properties along Randlehow and Smithy Brow Lane, on the eastern fringe of the village.
The decision report states: 'The dwellings would be built into the topography of the site, which rises steeply to the north, resulting in the development appearing as single storey from the north, but two storeys from the public right of way to the south.
'Despite the use of roughcast render and a slate roof, the proposals would be of a non-traditional character and appearance with large, full height glazed openings, integral garages, modern doors and a balcony across the entire south elevation, facing towards the public right of way.
The proposed street scene facing south (Image: Anything Drawn Architectural Ltd)
'The proposals would therefore fail to contribute to local distinctiveness and due to their massing and scale would appear as an incongruous form of development, detracting from the character and appearance of the area.
'This harm to the visual amenity of the surrounding area would be experienced in close range views from the adjacent public right of way.'
The report addresses public concerns that the size of the houses would facilitate conversion into more than one bedroom.
READ MORE: Plans submitted for new holiday park with 100 caravans
READ MORE: Lake District holiday park argues no planning breach after allegation made
It states that each plot would be serviced by two parking spaces, and that three-bedroomed dwellings would be acceptable in principle, and would meet local housing needs.
The report also stated that the development as proposed could 'not realistically be implemented' without obstructing a public right of way, and would therefore be unacceptable in this regard.
The report concluded: 'The proposed development, by reason of its design, volume and massing would fail to achieve design excellence or reinforce the importance of local distinctiveness.
'Furthermore, the proposals would obstruct a public right of way, harming the amenity of users of the public footpath.'
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