Horrified neighbours in an affluent seaside town have expressed their dismay over plans to demolish a bungalow and replace it with a pair of two-storey houses, which they claim will resemble a 'prison wall'. The development, proposed by Glass Harbour Developments, is set for Avon Close in the Mudeford area of Dorset. The new homes, featuring balconies and 16 full-height windows, will measure 21 feet by 55 feet.
Background of the Dispute
The suburban street currently comprises a dozen bungalows built on large plots in the 1950s. A covenant has historically prevented properties above a certain height from being built. However, planning permission has been granted for the demolition of the existing £700,000 bungalow, sparking accusations of 'development creep' from angry locals.
Residents' Concerns
One neighbour, Chris Lake, stated that he and other residents might resort to planting six-metre-tall hedges to preserve their privacy. He described the planned houses as 'looking like a prison' and argued that building a two-storey house on such a tight island plot would create a poor environment for both neighbours and future occupants. He said: 'It will result in the neighbouring homes having to plant 6m hedges to maintain our privacy and still be able to enjoy our gardens. All at the expense of a developer maximising profits, when two single-storey bungalows would be appropriate for Avon Run Close.'
Another resident, Roger Edwards, emphasised that Avon Close is specifically for bungalows and that the development is out of keeping. He noted that existing covenants restrict building to 'one detached bungalow' and warned that this could set a precedent for the entire close. He added: 'This is an overly dominant development that will overlook all the front gardens in Avon Run Close. The current bungalow is quite visible from all front gardens and the proposed two-storey larger house, faced in light colours, will look massive relative to the existing bungalows.'
David Attwood, a third objector, pointed out that the visual effect would be 'overwhelming' and create a 'substantial sense of enclosure'. He highlighted that the plans include 16 full-height windows and balconies at first-floor level, overlooking surrounding properties. He stated: 'These elevated viewing points will allow direct views into private outdoor spaces and potentially into habitable rooms within neighbouring homes. This represents a flagrant and unacceptable intrusion into residential privacy.'
Residents Christine and Nick Paine said the second house would be 'squashed into the corner' and too close to their home. Rod Williams, who recently renovated his house in the close sympathetically, criticised the disregard for height covenants. He said: 'On Avon Run Close there is a height covenant requiring that the houses are limited to single-story bungalows, keeping the properties in the character of the road. To ignore this would render any such covenants irrelevant and set a precedent for all such restrictions throughout the council area.'
Michael Dickinson expressed frustration, saying: 'By doing what they've done, they've now set the precedent. It will be like a pack of cards. These will all be flattened. Does this drive a coach and horses through the covenant? I knew it was going to get approved, I've lost confidence in the system. The democratic process counts for nothing if they are just going to ignore people's concerns.'
Planning Decision
Despite receiving 18 letters of objection, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council planning officer Peter Walters stated he did not consider the scheme 'harmful'. The planning committee narrowly approved the plans, with five votes in favour and four against.
