Plans for a car port and garage on the edge of an Isle of Wight village, denounced as ‘unacceptable creeping development’, have been rejected following local opposition.
Natasha Moore’s application was turned down by County Hall planners this week on the grounds that it would have a ‘serious adverse impact’ on the character of the St Catherines Cottages, Blackgang Road site in Niton, the surrounding area and the Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL).
Planned materials
Mrs Moore’s proposed structure included a weathered light grey timber frame, a ‘natural slate roof’ to match the existing property, solar panels on and in the garage’s roof, a black rainwater drainage system and weathered grey ‘natural timber cladding’, according to her agent, ERMC Ltd.
Niton and Whitwell Parish Council, the IWNL and a neighbour opposite lodged objections before Christmas.
IWC: Would result in a visually intrusive, dominant and prominent addition
A council report explaining the refusal said,
“The proposed garage and car port due to its position, size, design and appearance, would result in a visually intrusive, dominant and prominent addition within the site which would have a serious adverse impact on, and would fail to conserve or enhance, the character of the site and surrounding area and Isle of Wight National Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).”
Rayner: “Unacceptable creeping development”
Blackgang Road resident Carolyn Rayner said,
“This is a form of unacceptable creeping development, and as such is completely out of keeping with the rural environment of Niton, given its location in an area of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.”
NWPC: “Quite imposing” and “, especially from the road and “totally out of character”
A spokesperson for Niton and Whitwell Parish Council said,
“Whilst we have no objection to people wishing to have a car port or storage area, we feel it must be in keeping to the surrounding area, especially in the Isle of Wight National Landscape.
“They are quite imposing, especially from the road and totally out of character to the existing buildings.
“We would also be concerned with any additional light pollution.”
Highways service provider Island Roads made no objection to the application but recommended a condition be attached that the development is used only for private vehicle parking or domestic storage.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
