Plans for new apartment block in Chalfont St Peter thrown out

Aquinna Homes was refused an application to tear down a two-storey, detached property on North Park, in Chalfont St Peter, in favour of a three-storey block of five two-bed apartments.

PICTURED: The proposed site on North Park, in Chalfont St Peter

The new build would have featured rear balconies, 10 parking spaces and a communal rear garden.

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Initial objections were on grounds of “overlooking” and inadequate parking.

Council officers conceded the build would be “harmful to the character of the area” and that of neighbours.

They added it would also be “large and bulky” and therefore “cramped”.

The site would also result in a “significant detrimental impact” on the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation, a report stated.

PICTURED: Marked areas of conservation near the site

PICTURED: The proposed site plan, now refused

Cllr John Wertheim called in the application citing “overdevelopment”, insufficient parking, and loss of privacy for neighbours.

Chalfont St Peter Parish Council backed his concerns.

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“I think it’s all wrong as a design,” said Cllr Wertheim. “The…lack of privacy for the surrounding buildings…you’re going to impinge on the amenity space quite considerably.

“Let’s face it, there’s also impingement on the amenity space of the property itself. So, if one of the apartments wants to go outside and sunbathe in the buff, there’s no privacy there at all.”

He urged planning committee members to refuse the application.

They voted unanimously in favour of refusal.

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