Planning Application Reference:  15/00106/FUL re. 7 – 9 Church Street

March 2015

Overall this submission is of poor quality and is not in accord with this important part of the conservation area, which is clearly visible from Clarence Street.

It contravenes some aspects of Policy EN1 a).

There is insufficient detail of materials to be used on the Church Street frontage, and no detailed drawing/computerised image of the proposed shop front or roof line, which, is both necessary and paramount in a conservation area.

Existing shop frontage of no.7 is unique with its feature angled window and adds much character within the conservation area, giving the retail end of Church Street an appealing “village” feel. Whilst it is acknowledged that the “village feel” has already been substantially eroded by the facade of some neighbouring shop frontages, it is not a reason to perpetuate a sub-standard appearance.

It is not particularly clear if the flat roof is proposed only for the rear extension? However, if the proposal includes the loss of the pitched roof on the Church Street frontage, it would be unacceptable, particularly in the conservation area.

The proposed first floor flat has no rear staircase/access to refuse area – would the occupants be required to walk twice the length of Church Street to access the rear (if that is even possible?) for purposes of rubbish disposal. The location of dustbins (domestic or commercial) on Church Street pavement or kerbside would be totally unacceptable. Is the rear refuse area in the proposal for shop use only and will it be large enough for a double sized shop and the occupants of the flat, with only 1 metre between the rear of the property and the boundary fence? How is it envisaged that the occupants of the flat will gain access to the refuse area?

The size of flat is contentiously small, even for town centre location. Policy HO5 d) states that development in Staines town centre should generally be of a density at or above 75 dwellings/ha.

There is no application for part-demolition at the rear – is that required for property within a conservation area?

The inclusion of a disabled toilet within the shop is applauded but what are the proposals for disabled access into the shop from the street and how would they impact the appearance of the shop entrance features? Much greater detail of the frontage is required please. Also, further clarification of the description within the application would be useful, the description supplied is quite unstructured, it appears to jump between shop unit, rear extension and the flat within the same paragraph, making the proposals unclear.

Finally, is it really necessary to propose the change from two shops into one larger shop – could the shops be adjoined by incorporating a communicating door or similar opening within?

This application is open for comment. Please make your comments online at the council’s website.