Peterborough planning decision called in due to ‘overbearing’ outbuilding in garden

Nasir Ahmed submitted a planning application in June for the erection of an outbuilding to the rear of a semi-detached home at 5 Park Lane, Eastfield.

The structure would be used for a variety of things including a home office, gym, hobby space, and ancillary living accommodation.

Construction of the outbuilding started in July without planning consent and drew criticism from neighbours, including one who labelled the development “completely unacceptable”.

“The roof height of the completed structure is entirely excessive,” reads an objection letter from number 9 Park Lane.

“This excessive mass causes severe overshadowing, loss of natural light and an overbearing sense of enclosure.”

The proposed outbuilding is 3.95m high with a pitched roof and floorspace area of approximately 56.38 sqm, with the main house around 74 sqm on the ground floor.

A previous planning application was withdrawn following concerns that it would be refused due to its overbearing impact, particularly given its proximity to number 7 Park Lane.

The council recommended a number of changes to the development, such as the removal of the canopy.

However, a case officer report for the most recent application recommended that planning permission should be refused as it would “appear unsympathetic to and out of keeping with the established character of the area”.

“The proposal, by virtue of its appearance, scale and siting would unacceptably impact upon the amenity of surrounding residential neighbours,” the report added.

The decision to refuse the application was called in by Cllr Numan Iqbal, arguing that the development was “acceptable”.

Peterborough City Council’s planning committee will meet on Tuesday, September 1 to decide whether or not to agree with the case officer’s recommendation for refusal.