46 Grange Road 15/04765/FUL
I write on behalf of the Grange Association to object to this proposed parking area in front of a
grade C listed building within the Grange Conservation Area. Our reasons for objecting are:1. The parking area is unnecessary. 46 Grange Road used to have an extensive parking
area off Lauder Road but the owners chose to give this away to the guest
accommodation when they separated the guest accommodation into a separate house
(application14/02801/FUL). The fact that application14/02801/FUL did not include a
parking area for 46 Grange Road suggests that, at the time, this parking area was not
considered necessary. This must surely still be the case. There is ample residents'
parking space directly in front of the house where there are always empty spaces.
2. The proposed parking area would be in front of a listed building. The
Householders’ Guidance specifically says “Parking in front gardens will not normally be
allowed …in listed buildings, where loss of original walls or railings and the creation of a
hard surface would have an adverse effect on the character and setting of the building
and its special architectural or historic interest”. In this case, loss of wall and the hard
standing would clearly have an adverse effect (policy Env3).
3. It would mean loss of green space and garden. In describing the special character of
the area, the CACA states “The buildings are complemented by the profusion of mature
trees, spacious garden settings, stone boundary walls and green open spaces.” This
proposal would reduce the front garden, remove some of the stone garden wall and
reduce green open space. It clearly would not enhance or preserve the special character
of the area (policy Env6). The CACA also recommends “The green character of front and
side gardens should remain dominant where additional on-site parking is proposed.”
The loss of this much green space would significantly affect the special character of the
area contrary to policy Env6. The Listed Building and Conservation Area Guidance
states “the loss of garden ground can seriously affect the setting of a listed building” so
this proposal would also contravene policy Env3.
4. The size of the parking area. The proposed parking area would be more than 25% of
the front garden which is set as the limit in the Householders’ Guidance.
5. Loss of original stone boundary wall. The proposal would mean the loss of the high
section of the original stone wall. This high section of the wall is a particular feature of
this house. Stone boundary walls are characteristic of this conservation area and are
highlighted in the Conservation Area Character Assessment. Also the Listed Building
and Conservation Area Guidance includes the statement: “However, any proposals to
alter unsympathetically, relocate or remove items within the curtilage, such as stables,
mews, garden walls, stone steps, stone paving and cobbled or setted areas are likely to
detract from the quality of the building’s setting...”. Again the proposal would be
contrary to policies Env3 and Env6.
We urge the Planning Committee to refuse planning permission for this inappropriate
proposal.