Seventh try for garden-grabbing developer
Adam Hewitt • Published 23 Sep 2010 09:30
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COUNCILLORS rejected an “unsuitable and inappropriate” garden-grabbing building project - for the seventh time.
The plot in Western Elms Avenue, off Oxford Road, has been the subject of many similar applications since 2000, the latest being to demolish number 15 and its garage and build six homes in its place along with an access road.
Neighbour Alan Overton spoke against the application at Reading’s planning committee meeting on Wednesday last week, saying: “The loss of number 15 would destroy the balance, harmony and symmetry of the street, like a tooth knocked out of an otherwise perfect smile.
“We should be seeking to increase the complement of garden space in urban environments, not decreasing it. This is the seventh application in these back gardens; the developer is clearly hoping to wear down the opposition.”
Cllr Tony Page congratulated Mr Overton on his speech, calling it a “virtuoso performance” and said the non-attendance of the developer, Cygnet Investment Ltd, “spoke volumes”.
He added: “The developer is treating us with total contempt. I’m not aware of any other site in Reading that has been subjected to such constant pressure from a developer, who will not take 'no’ for an answer.”
Many of the past failed applications have gone to appeal, but the Planning Inspector has dismissed the appeal each time.
The most recent application attracted 10 letters of complaint, as well as objections from MP Alok Sharma, Reading Civic Society and SAVE Britain’s Heritage.
Ward councillor Chris Maskell said: “This developer’s proposal would be detrimental to the garden, the street scene and the house itself.”
The other committee members, who visited the site to see for themselves on Friday, September 3, agreed and unanimously rejected the application.
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