Two applications for new Crawley flats both dismissed at appeal by planning inspectors

The first, from Colmer 1 Ltd, was a prior approval application to add two storeys – 11 flats – to Belgrave House, in Station Way.

It was refused by the council’s planning committee in April, with members describing the proposed changes as ‘awkward, top heavy [and] poorly proportioned’.

In a decision statement, planning inspector J Reid agreed with the council’s action, saying the proposed extension ‘would be unacceptably prominent and damaging’ to the way the building looked.

The second application, from Mountley Limited, wanted to add one storey – four flats – above 24-30 The Boulevard.

It was refused in February due to noise concerns.

Since then, a new conservation area covering Queens Square and The Broadway has been created, which includes the appeal site.

As such, the land is now protected from permitted development rights and the inspector dismissed the appeal.