BSCF objections to Pryors Close planning proposal

Your ref - Planning Application No: 3/09/1233/0P

1 & 2 Pryors Close, Bishop's Stortford

I am writing on behalf of the Bishop's Stortford Civic Federation to object to the proposal to demolish the existing houses at these addresses and replace them with four terraced houses.

This site consists of semi detached houses all built at the same time on generous plots. The Close forms an architectural unity which this proposal would destroy and no doubt pave the way for similar applications on other plots. Although the two existing houses have a neglected appearance they could be refurbished to provide modern family accommodation. This has been the approach adopted for other houses of a similar vintage in Avenue Road and Thorn Grove.

This proposal is incompatible with policy ENV 1 in the adopted local plan which requires all development proposals inter alia to

(a) Demonstrate compatibility with the structure and layout of the surrounding area, as well as effective connection with existing routes and spaces.

(b) Complement the existing pattern of street blocks, plots and buildings (the grain of development).

(c) Relate well to the massing (volume and shape) and height of adjacent buildings and to the surrounding townscape.

(d) Respect the amenity of occupiers of neighbouring buildings and those of future occupants and ensure that their environments are not harmed by noise and disturbance or by inadequate daylight, sunlight or privacy or by overshadowing.

Sadly, policy ENV 1 has been honoured more in the breach than in the observance in Bishop's Stortford but Pryors Close is as yet untouched by the infill overdevelopment which is blighting so many parts of the town. Refusing this application will demonstrate that the policy has some value.