Plans have been approved to build an “incredibly inappropriate” new house in a residential garden, despite objections from neighbours.
Lewes District Council approved the construction of a two-bedroom bungalow in the garden of an existing detached bungalow at 111 Arundel Road, Peacehaven.
The new house, which will have a room in the roof, is planned to be 1.5 storeys high and will be built on a corner plot at the junction of Arundel Road and Bolney Avenue.
The garden has already been divided, with a fence put up around a part of it, and the area for the proposed new house has been cleared and levelled.
The trees have already been removed and the plot levelled. The house on the right is 47 Bolney Avenue (Image: Google) Previously, in March 2023, a plan to build a bungalow on the same plot was rejected.
At that time, planning officers said the plot’s narrow width and depth made it unsuitable for a dwelling.
This recent approval has come despite 13 letters of objection and a petition with 51 signatures, raising concerns about loss of wildlife and privacy, as well as parking issues.
One resident, Justin Bailley, objected, noting that previous applications to build a house in the same garden had been refused.
He added: “This application hasn’t done anything different to the previous applications, so should be refused for the same reasons.
“If this application is allowed to pass, it means every back garden with access to a road will be up for development.”
Drawings for the approved new house (Image: SAB) Another resident, Ida L’Erario, expressed concerns about setting a precedent for building on small plots of backyard space.
She said: “We wish to keep and treasure what is left of any green space in our area.”
Vicky Clark also objected to the plans, describing the proposal as “incredibly inappropriate” for the available space and surrounding neighbours.
She added: “New residential buildings seem to be erected too readily and without any consideration as to who or what may be affected – and, dare I say it, seemingly just to make money.”
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However, there have also been six letters of support for the proposal.
Supporters argued that the new house would be modern and efficient, similar to existing development in the surrounding area, and would not impact on the amenity of neighbours.
The house will be built where these plants previously were, between the houses at 111 Arundel Road, left, and 47 Bolney Avenue, right (Image: Google)READ NEXT: Plans for new Gypsy traveller caravan site on rural Sussex farmland
The council’s planning committee noted that the proposed development is in a sustainable location and would make efficient use of an existing residential plot.
Their report stated: “The design of the proposed dwelling is appropriate for its setting, respecting the general visual and spatial characteristics of the surrounding built environment.
“The proposed dwelling would provide good quality internal space as well as suitable outdoor amenity space and parking facilities.
“It is also considered that the amenities of neighbouring residents would be preserved.”