Plan to build bungalow next to Craven Arms Fire Station rejected after inspector warns firefighters could see into windows
An appeal over Shropshire Council's rejection of plans for a three-bedroom bungalow in Craven Arms has been thrown out by a Government planning inspector.
Plans to build a new three-bed bungalow on land off Millar Row in Craven Arms was first submitted to Shropshire Council by applicant, Mr Marnick, in April last year.
Despite the plans receiving the support of the local town council, the proposal was refused by Shropshire Council in June.
The decision notice stated the principle of new residential development was acceptable on the site, but the proposed "siting, size, orientation and design" were considered to be "contrary to policy" and would result in a dwelling that "would result in visual harm to the character and appearance of this part of Craven Arms".
The planning officers also determined that "insufficient details" had been submitted to assess the potential impact on the site's existing trees.
Moreover, the decision notice said the rear of the building and its "limited garden" would "face directly" onto the Craven Arms Fire Station yard and drill tower - which would impact on "future occupiers' residential amenity" due to the potential noise and overlooking.
Unhappy with the decision, the applicant took the decision to the Government planning inspectorate.
Inspector Tamsin Law, who visited the site in February, determined that the proposed building would be sufficient in size and design to maintain the character and appearance of the area, and would not have a harmful impact on trees.
She did however agree with the council planning officers about the impact of the nearby fire station.
The appeal decision stated that windows for the dining room, bedroom and an ensuite bathroom would face the rear garden - towards the drill tower.
It continues: "The proximity to the boundary of the appeal site combined with its elevated nature means that anyone using the tower would have direct views into the rear garden area of the proposed dwelling as well as into the rear-facing windows.
"The use of the tower in proximity to the proposed dwelling would therefore have harmful impacts to the privacy of future occupiers."
While the appellant argues that the drill tower is only used "on a quarterly basis" for around two hours, the inspector found no evidence that the use of the tower was limited - and could therefore be used on a more regular basis and for a longer period of time.
The report continued: "The noise and disturbance associated with the drill tower during a training event would likely involve shouting and potentially the use of sirens which would result in activity that would be disruptive to future occupants."
The planning application and the inspector's decision are available to view online on Shropshire Council's planning portal using reference number 24/01692/FUL.
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