A well used back garden has been saved after an appeal to turn it into flats was dismissed.
Raglan Housing’s appeal for a new block of 15 flats in the grounds of Abbey Lodge , Gordon Road, Ealing , was deemed by the Planning Inspectorate as overbearing in size, detrimental to the adjacent Haven Green conservation area and out of character with the traditional neighbouring properties in the street last Tuesday (June 3).
The development which had been proposed was an extension to the residential block fronting Carlton Gardens which would add 15 flats in a four story building.
The planning inspector however said these plans would make the area appear too cramped.
Suzanne Jupp, 43, who has lived in Abbey Lodge for 15 years, said: “On behalf of all the local residents that are fighting against developers that seem to be building on any small space of green, we are over the moon that yet another back land development has been turned down.”
“There is a huge groundswell of public opinion against such developments in Ealing and it’s nice to see good sense has prevailed.”
Victor Mishiku, founder of The Covenant Movement, which helps people with planning matters in Ealing, said: “This was the tenth victory local residents have had in the last 15 months and in nine of those cases Ealing Planning Department had recommended the developments.
“The land is burdened by restrictive covenant which means it is only supposed to be used as garden land. This is the ultimate defence.
“We are happy the planning permission has been refused but there’s also a covenant to protect neighbours.”
The application which dates back to October 2012 was first refused by Ealing Council last July (2013).
A Raglan Housing Spokeswoman said: “We are currently considering the comments and evaluating the situation.”
