DM2022/00006

The proposed development would fail to respond to the established street layout and the level of intensification of this small site would not be a suitable size within the location, appearing as an overdevelopment of the constricted plot, causing harm to the character and appearance of the area, and causing harm to the amenities of occupants at 37 and 39 Oldfields Road. The proposal is therefore unacceptable in principle, contrary to policies H1, H2 and D3 of the London Plan 2021 and policies 1 and 13 of the Sutton local Plan 2018.

The proposed development would result in an overdevelopment of a constricted site and would fail to respect the prevailing pattern of development to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area, also being of poor design at roof level with an unsympathetic roof shape and box-like rear dormers. The proposal would therefore be contrary to policies D3 and D4 of the London Plan 2021, policy 28 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018 and SPD14 'Creating Locally Distinctive Places'.

The proposed development, given the height of the proposed semi-pair, the modest separation distance maintained between this pair and the rear elevation and amenity area of 37 and 39 Oldfields Road, and that the new rear elevation faces directly on to No.37's rear amenity area with minimal screening due to window heights, would adversely affect the amenities of 37 and 39 Oldfields Road in terms of a loss of outlook, creating a sense of enclosure and appearing overbearing, as well as a loss of privacy due to direct overlooking. The proposal is therefore contrary to policy 29 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018.

Without evidence to the contrary, the application has failed to provide evidence that the proposal will provide a satisfactory reduction in carbon emissions, sustainable drainage measures and water efficiency measures. As such, the application would be contrary to Policies SI 2, SI 4, SI 5, SI 12, SI 13 of the London Plan 2021 and Policies 31, 32 and 33 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018.

The proposal involves the loss of a large area of grassland and without evidence to the contrary in the form of a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment it is considered that the proposal fails to demonstrate evidence of conservation and preservation of existing biodiversity contrary to policy 26 of the Sutton Local Plan 2018.