A REQUEST for a complex series of home modifications has been challenged by two councillors who branded it a “gross overdevelopment” – and went so far as to claim a second-hand car business is being run from the back garden.

A planning application asking for several changes to a six-bedroom property on Desborough Avenue, in High Wycombe has been contested by two Buckinghamshire councillors who questioned its impact on the area – and suggested cars are being sold on site.

The applicant, Mr Gazanfar Ali, is seeking permission to build on to his property a two-storey side extension, a part-single-part-two-storey rear extension, a pair of hip-to-gable-end roof alterations, and a single rear box dormer window.

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He is also asking permission for three roof lights in connection to a loft conversion, and the widening of a gate and driveway for two new parking bays. There is one other parking space already on site.

However, Conservative Cllrs Alan Hill and Lesley Clarke called the application in for scrutiny, both feeling it is an overdevelopment of the property having a “detrimental impact” to the area, and that there is “deficient” on-site parking.

Bucks Free Press:

“This is a gross overdevelopment of this… property,” said Cllr Clarke. “The proposed changes are not in keeping with the street scene; the building lines appear to be in close proximity to neighbouring properties on both sides; [and] there are no three-floor detached houses in the locality.

“[Another] planning application… yet to be determined on the same property has devastated the back garden taking out mature trees and…it does appear this is now storage for cars and… that a second-hand car sales business is being run from this property.”

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Other letters of objection cite “excessive use of concrete in the rear garden might have implications for commercial use i.e. [a] second-hand car business”, and the design having a ‘visual impact on the street scene devaluing neighbouring properties’.

A series of amendments addressing the “appearance and design of the proposal” have been submitted following recent feedback.

The matter is due for debate during a West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, November 10.

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