Planning Applications - Hyndburn Borough Council

an identified exception within the authority’s adopted SPG on New Residential Development - it
proposes only 5 units on an infill plot. As the site is within the urban boundary and located within
an established residential area in an adequately sustainable location the proposed residential
development of the site is acceptable in principle, subject to design and amenity issues and any
other material considerations.
In terms of design I can advise that the proposed demonstrates an acceptable approach to the
development of the site. The applicant has identified a scheme which will maintain the existing
street layout and the structure of the wider residential area by following the identified building line
of neighbouring residential properties. Further more the proposed achieves a satisfactory frontage
by reflecting appropriately the traditional proportions of Accrington’s terraces and including
complementary detailing such as heavy sills and jambs around the windows. The units would be
constructed using artificial stone with slate roofs. As such I consider that the proposal would fit
comfortably within the street scene and would benefit neighbour amenity by removing a potentially
problematic vacant site. Although close to the town centre the applicant has ensured that the new
units will benefit from parking at a ratio of at least 1 space per unit.
As with many small infill plots in terraced areas it is not possible to achieve the normally desirable
distances between dwellings of 21m and 15m and still to develop the site. There will be an
adequate distance (16.5m) between the existing properties on the north side of Eccles Street and the
gable end of the new terrace (15m being the normal guideline). A distance of 18.5m (compared
with the normal guideline of 21m) is achievable across the back street to the main rear walls of
houses on Westwood Street, while only 14m can be achieved across Pansy Street South at the front
of the proposed houses. While the first two of these distances are adequate I am concerned about
the 14m distance at the frontage of the properties. However, on balance I consider that the
advantages of dealing with this vacant plot, bearing in mind the high quality general design of the
development outweigh any loss of amenity from overlooking between dwellings.
As noted above the proposal has attracted a number of objections from residents principally voicing
concerns regarding parking at the site. It is worth noting that two of the objectors are not directly
affected by the proposals living further south along Pansy Street South. Only one of the writers
lives directly opposite the site. I consider that the applicant has demonstrated an acceptable
approach to parking in this location and should not be required to provide in excess of 1 space per
unit. It would be difficult envisage that an acceptable development of this site could be achieved if
a higher parking requirement were to be imposed. I would not consider that this proposal would
add unduly to the stresses placed upon the amenities of immediate neighbours or that of the wider
area.
Consequently I consider that the proposed is satisfactory with regard to the adopted development
plan and recommend approval of the scheme.
Recommendation
Approve subject to the following conditions:
Condition(s) and Reason(s)
1 The development must be begun not later than the expiration of three years beginning with the
date of this permission.
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