PLANS to build two new homes that can only be accessed via a single-track drive through the middle of a protected green have passed the first hurdle.
South Gloucestershire councillors approved the redevelopment of Little Croft in Goose Green, Yate, in principle by seven votes to nil, with two abstentions, despite objections from Yate Town Council and 17 residents.
The town council owns the common, Goose Green, and has said it would allow only one of the two new homes proposed to replace the existing bungalow a right to vehicle access along the track, meaning the occupants of the other house would have to leave their cars on the narrow main road, worsening parking problems in the area.
The application by Jerry Smallridge, whose brother used to live at the bungalow, is unusual because instead of applying for full or outline planning consent, he instead asked for “permission in principle” for up to two properties.
That meant the development management committee could only consider whether the site was suitable for them, with full “technical details” and designs to be decided at a future stage.
Council cabinet member for planning Chris Willmore (Lib Dem, Yate North) told the committee: “There is something about Goose Green that is different from the rest of Yate.
“Goose Green is a quiet haven, it has trees and open space and it feels tranquil.
“It’s the only place in Yate where you get that feeling of what Yate was like before all the modern housing developments, and that is really special.
“Goose Green and Yate Rocks are two bits of Yate that I would fight to the death to conserve as they are because they are the visible sign of our history.
“This is a special place that requires special treatment.”
‘Nonsense’
She said PiP was a “nonsense process” that did not allow councillors to include any conditions on giving the go-ahead at this stage.
Residents told the meeting in late October that if the new buildings had two storeys they would have a “massive overbearing impact” on adjacent homes.
Planning agent Emma Jarvis, on behalf of Mr Smallridge, said the bungalow was in a state of disrepair and needed replacing and that the plot was large enough for two homes.
She said various owners had used the single track access as a right of way without challenge for 55 years.
Council development manager Marie Bath said that at the current stage no conditions could be attached to the application, which had originally been for up to three homes.
Committee chairman Cllr Tristan Clark (Lib Dem, Frampton Cotterell) said this was “infuriating”.
Ms Bath said the right of access is a civil matter between the applicants and Yate Town Council.
By Adam Postans, Local Democracy Reporting Service