Winchester planners approve application for garage conversion

Lucy and Jason Grey, of Rances Way, applied to Winchester City Council for permission to add a rear and side extension to their house, as well as the conversion.

The plan was discussed by Winchester City Council’s planning committee.

Gui Colombo, who said he is the immediate neighbour of the Greys, objected to the plans, saying: “Rances Way is defined by its distinctive rhythm of detached and linked detached houses. They are usually separated by garages. This consistent pattern creates a sense of openness and balance and, most importantly, desirability. They all contribute considerably to the aesthetics and residential appeal of this street.

The proposed and existing elevations of the property (Image: WCC)

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“This proposed extension will disrupt this established character by turning our linked detached houses into semi-detached ones.”

Mr Colombo went on to say that there are no semi-detached houses currently in Rances Way, and that he has concerns that the changes to the property will impact property values. He continued: “It will negatively change the character of the amenities and would appear out of character with the neighbouring properties.”

John Godbold, from Badger Farm Parish Council, also voiced an objection, saying: “The parish council feels that this application would change the character of Rances Way in particular. This is a very popular road in Badger Farm – it affords young residents the opportunity to buy a small linked detached property in a pleasant area.

“If approved (the application) will create a precedent for Badger Farm with the possibility of creating rows of terraced housing, and that flies in the face of the designers who sought to avoid this.

“The scale of the development is out of proportion to the original property, and that of adjacent properties.”

Jason Grey, the applicant, told the committee: “For me, there are three key areas that are being objected to here. One is material change to the street scene, another is overdevelopment, and the other is that of parking.”

Mr Grey said that he is hoping to make the house “a family home”, and point out other properties on the street which have planning permission, saying: “There is already precedent for changing the aesthetics of the street scene.”

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Cllr Brian Laming said: “I am afraid this really does concern me quite a lot. We are changing the overall character of the road by allowing this. This detached house will become a semi.

“There is a huge parking problem in Badger Farm caused by the garages being too small, and we need to tackle that. At the moment, even if we give permission to this today, it is not necessarily going to allowed to be built unless (the neighbours) come to an agreement”.

Cllr Jane Rutter said: “The changes to the front of the build are really very minimal, and I don’t think they are material at all. The loss of value next door is not a material planning consideration.

“I think this is a very sensitive proposal.”

The planning committee voted to permit the application.