Plans for a new house in a back garden can go ahead despite opposition from neighbours.
Homeowner Maria Higgins applied for planning permission to build a two-storey detached house with three bedrooms in the back garden of her home in Shirley Drive, Hove.
Members of Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee were told that she planned to retire to the “fully accessible” building.
Conservative councillor Samer Bagaeen, a professor of planning who represents Hove Park ward, spoke against the application which drew 40 objections from neighbours.
He said that sub-dividing the garden was unacceptable because smaller plots would not be in keeping with the character of the area.
Councillor Bagaeen said: “The proposal would fail to respect the character and established urban grain, contrary to policy in the City Plan.
“What is the point of having a policy if it can be ignored?”
He gave examples of other applications in Hove Park ward where the council had refused applications to build in back gardens.
Planning consultant Gareth Giles, for Ms Higgins, said that the self-build project was designed to her specifications.
He said that the proposed house would have a green roof, solar panels and a wildlife pond.
Conservative councillor Carol Theobald said: “I think it’s terrible that they want to put this in the back of the garden there where everybody can see it.
“It’s quite small. It’s smaller than the two properties that have had houses put in the back. It’s quite different.”
Councillor Theobald told the “virtual” meeting of the Planning Committee that a similar application further down the road had been refused.
Green councillor Sue Shanks said that she was quite happy with the proposal, adding: “I think the days of big family houses in cities with big plots are probably going. It’s a shame in lots of ways but this is a good use of the space.”
Independent councillor Bridget Fishleigh jumped on this comment and asked if the end of big family houses with gardens was Green Party policy.
Councillor Shanks said that it was a personal view and that decisions by the Planning Committee were not “party political”.
Councillors voted five to three in favour of the scheme.
Ironic , green councillor approves concreating over green space. They need to focus on getting brownfield sites converted especially those buildings that have been deralict for years
It is important to be accurate when reporting. The garden referred to was subdivided in 1959 when the house was changed into flats. There are 3 flats not a single large house which have a separate rear garden. The access to the rear has been a driveway since the 1920s . This distinct difference from other single large houses in Shirley drive was clearly noted in the documents and representations made by the planning officer and applicant. The new build will not be seen from the street …Shirley Drive . It is important to give the public a fair and balanced report and not give verbatim what one councillor said which contained inaccuracies.
As usual the council ignoring the public and doing what they want