Planning Application Reference: 14/02148/FUL re: 39 Gresham Road, Staines

February 2015

Planning Application Reference: 14/02148/FUL re: 39 Gresham Road, Staines

Staines Town Society object to the proposed demolition and re-development of 39 Gresham Road, Staines.

It would be a great pity to lose this elegant, detached Victorian property, which occupies a prominent corner position, at the start of a row of similar character properties, with interesting detail and architectural design in Cherry Orchard. It is significant that No. 2 Cherry Orchard is locally listed and the demolition of No. 39 Gresham Road would almost certainly, not blend in but completely destroy the character of this end of Cherry Orchard and in particular reduce the merit of the locally listed neighbouring house.

The proposed development does not in any way respect the character of the locality of Cherry Orchard, particularly not in terms of design, mass or height. The plans submitted demonstrate no balance between the styles of the properties on either side, if anything, the proposed development is more similar in form to the unsightly and over-bearing Phoenix Place, a repeat of which would be most unsuitable, visually unwelcome and destroy the unique character of the existing house.

As a feature, the rotunda has no merit for inclusion; far from enhancing the proposed development, its addition seems to be merely a ruse that would denigrate the appearance of the building and reflect nothing of any of the neighbouring properties. The plans suggest an unacceptably large, dense and ugly building and if the inclusion of the rotunda is an attempt to enhance the corner site, it is not successful – vulgar rather than dignified.

The current proposal has a reduced the number of flats down to 7, yet remains an overdevelopment at 125units/hectare, when the norm is 45 – 75 in this area. If permitted, this proposal would exceed the acceptable number of units per hectare for a town centre property, which it clearly is not.

Perhaps the wisdom of the proposed lower ground floor could be clarified? Whilst it is good to see the inclusion of mobility design features, they are sited half below ground level; which would provide a gloomy outlook and a flood risk, especially for disabled people.

It is reassuring that the 6 trees on site are to be retained and that a provision for cycle storage has been included and whilst we appreciate it is no longer necessary to include a provision for parking, we feel the overspill parking into other unrestricted roads will exacerbate the existing problem locally. The car sharing scheme sounds admirable and we would hope that it provided a workable solution?

Fortunately, the character of Gresham Road is still largely retained but the loss of this Victorian dwelling would significantly change the street scene on this approach to the station and also as viewed from the station platforms opposite.

This application is open for comment and is due to be decided at the Spelthorne Borough Council  Planning Meeting mid-March 2015. Please make your comments online at the council’s website.