Fierce Opposition to Garden House Plans in Basildon

There have been 18 objections to plans for two houses being built in a back garden near Hippos Pools in Upper Basildon.

Objectors cite loss of trees, impact on newts, over development, road safety and the size of the builds.

The case officer has visited the site on two occasions, and is satisfied that the proposed layout on the site will meet minimum separation distances between surrounding housing.

The application site, if approved, will mean a single access road accessing five dwellings, which is the maximum permitted by the local highways authority for non adoption of the road.

"On the one hand the views of the objectors are understood in the sense that a previously open area of land will be developed," says the council.

"There are legitimate worries about impact on green infrastructure, impact on amenity and highways safety, and impact on services, and ecology /trees, but no statutory consultee has objected to the application, apart from the parish council, and the tree officer.

"On the other hand, the site will make the best use of 'urban' land."

The application goes before West Berkshire Council's eastern area planning committee next Wednesday, and officers recommend the planning application is approved.

Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter