Plans for around 120 homes in Brentwood have been recommended for approval – around six months after a previous attempt was deferred after a committee heard concerns about how they could "obliterate" views of London.
A planning application for the development of the site, to include 119 homes and public open space on land east of Nags Head Lane, was deferred at a July meeting of Brentwood Council's planning committee.
The initial plan received 75 objections and a report said the deferral was to allow further engagement with neighbours.
Concerns about layout, design and landscaping along the eastern boundary and clustering of 'affordable' housing units were also raised.
MOST READ: Girl, 5, still fighting for life after Harold Hill window fall
Developer Crest Nicholson has met with the Mascalls Gardens Residents’ Association representatives several times between the July committee and the submission of amended plans in September.
Council officers say the layout, design and landscaping - including building bungalows located adjacent to the eastern boundary and the relocation of two self-build plots – would mitigate concerns about loss of privacy.
An officer’s report said: “The change from two-storey dwellings to bungalows is more in keeping with most of the dwellings in Mascalls Gardens and the lowering of the height will reduce the impact of the development on the adjoining neighbours’ sense of enclosure and perceived loss of privacy."
Councillor David Kendall spoke in support of residents at the meeting on July 25 and said then: “Most of the residents I have spoken to accept that something is going to be built on the site. In my view, it has to be something that is sensitive and understanding of the needs of the settled community.
“The development is going to have a serious visual impact on many of the residents living in Mascalls Gardens. It will overlook and dwarf the bungalows and totally obliterate the view they enjoy at the moment.”
A decision is set to be made by the planning committee at a Brentwood Town Hall meeting tomorrow (November 21).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here