‘Dominant’ new home stopped by listed cottage

A government inspector has refused planning permission for a two-bedroom house to be built in the grounds of the 17th century, grade 2 listed Leila Cottage in Wick Street, with access from Courtwick Road.

Inspector Joanna Reid made her decision after considering written submissions from the owners and from Arun District Council, which originally turned down the plans in December, 2009 on grounds similar to those now cited in the appeal’s dismissal.

Ms Reid said in her decision notice the height of the proposed house, which would have been built on the site of an existing garage, would have been similar to Leila Cottage, which she felt would be “unacceptably dominant” and would also reduce the spacious rear garden, which was important for the listed building.

New government guidance affecting development on garden land was also a factor, she added.

As the new house would have been enclosed on three sides, with only narrow gaps to the boundaries, its siting would have been cramped and out of keeping with the neighbourhood, where most homes were on spacious plots.

“The proposal would provide a poor living environment for the future occupiers, which would be at odds with the prevailing suburban character,” said the inspector, who concluded that the site would have been overdeveloped.