Plans to build three new homes in an Ilford garden have been approved, despite concerns from neighbours.
The two-bedroom homes will replace a garage in the rear garden of 140 Bawdsey Avenue, in Newbury Park.
Proposals were put forward in early December by Nijjer Estates Limited, alongside Ilford-based firm ATP Architects + Building Surveyors Ltd.
In a design statement submitted to Redbridge Council, they said building new homes on the “unutilised plot” would “contribute to local housing provision and enhance the character and appearance of the area”.
“By transforming an underutilized plot into a well-designed residential space, the project enhances the local street-scape and contributes positively to the community,” they said.
The planning department supported the scheme, saying it would help lessen the borough’s housing shortage without “compromising” its neighbours’ amenities.
As part of the plans, the developers will build a new access road to the homes.
Due to the tight urban layout of the area, parking spaces and bin stores will go at the front of the homes. There will also be balconies on the rear of each.
The planning committee approved the £2million scheme last night (24th March), despite seven formal objections from residents.
One local, who has lived next-door since 1997, told the committee his sense of privacy in his garden would be “compromised”.
He continued: “It makes no sense, with all due respect, to have a development like that in an area with 1930s-built properties. It doesn’t match the aesthetics of the existing properties, and I’m not sure how the Fire Brigade would be able to access them.”
He added the site had “been levelled off and left to grow” to “give the impression it was a brownfield site”.
Residents also raised concerns over increased noise levels and “parking stress”.
John Howard, a Labour ward cllr, said the town hall could only turn down developments that will cause “high levels of harm” in light of the ongoing challenges to build new homes.
The scheme was unanimously approved by all ten cllrs on the planning committee after a brief debate.
Development is expected to last a full year, beginning this July.
Redbridge Council is currently working towards a target of 1,409 new homes a year, as per the London Plan 2021.
In 2022/23, however, the borough saw just 224 new residences built, which has led to an increased strain on its temporary accommodation.
