PLANNERS have approved a scheme for a rear dormer in Romsey town centre, despite concerns from local residents.
Rita Jarvis can have the rear dormer at 31 Latimer Street after Test Valley Borough Council's southern area planning committee granted permission.
Concerns were raised by residents of Coachmakers Mews, to the rear of the property, who say it would be overbearing.
A total of eight objections have been received. Romsey Town Council's planning committee submitted no objection.
The scheme was decided by the planning committee on Tuesday, August 13.
Douglas Weeks, of Coachmakers Mews, said: “As far as the residents are concerned, this is a large roof extension, not a dormer. Test Valley Borough Council's conservation officer has objected.
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“Its disproportionate design will harm the conservation area. The dormer is large and somewhat awkward. It will harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“It's disappointing that you are going against the conservation officer.”
In an objection on the online planning portal, conservation officer George Harrold said: “The proposed flat-roofed dormer is large in relation to the relatively modest proportions of the host building, and siting the dormer in an off-centre location between two roof slopes appears somewhat awkward. It is unclear from the submitted documentation what the intended materials and finishes for the dormer extension are, however the essential design of the dormer is not considered to be an attractive addition to the building.
“In view of the disproportionate appearance, and a design that is not particularly sympathetic to the character of the host building or this part of the conservation area, the proposal as submitted would amount to some harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
The committee's chairman, Cllr Mark Cooper, read out a comment from Cllr Sandra Gidley who was unable to attend the meeting. It said: “This application is more than a dormer. The flat roof will be out of keeping with the surrounding buildings. The planning officers' report is dismissive of the conservation officer's comments. The dormer is not an attractive addition to the building.”
Cllr Alan Dowden said: “Romsey Town Council has not objected to this and they are thorough on every application. I see no problem with this.”
The application was permitted with eight votes for and three abstentions.
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