PLANNING COMMENT FOR APPLICATION REF:  5/2025/1847

David Reid

92 Charmouth Road
St Albans,
AL1 4SQ

Object to Proposal

This is a large and obtrusive development. My objections are based on 2 main areas: (1) preserving the "look" of this section of the road, and (2) protecting my privacy. Re (1), the application states that the materials used will the existing brick and tile construction of the other "Marconi" houses (nos 88 - 110), but the elevation drawing looks like rendering is being used - not bricks. Please confirm that the finish of the house will be brick and tile - in keeping with the other properties. (2a) The rear elevation appears to show 2 large, imposing French windows with balconies in the loft extension. Other loft extensions on the road have used smaller, conventional windows. I propose that the French windows are replaced with these. (2b) The rear patio will project into the garden at a height that means that it will significantly overlook neighouring gardens - even with a 1.8m fence/ hedge. Patios are likely to be used extensively during warmer weather making this an ongoing nuisance and imposition for other people. I suggest that either the level of the patio is reduced - to protect neighbours' privacy - or some form of screening is incorporated in the design. Additionally, I note that it is asserted that no hedges or trees will be impacted by this work, and that existing parking arrangements will be unchanged. I infer from this that the front garden - which has a small tree near its centre - will not be grubbed up for additional car parking spaces. Can you confirm? I note that this work will also deliver a biodiversity net gain, but I can find no explanation what this entails. How will this be delivered?