Plans to turn roof space in Leamington into apartments are rejected by councillors over issue with window

Members of Warwick District Council's planning committee decided one of the dormer windows at Southfields in Lillington Road would be too close to a neighbouring property
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Plans to create eight one-bedroom apartments in the roofspace of a former Leamington sheltered housing complex have been rejected by councillors because one of the dormer windows was considered to be too close to a neighbouring property.

A number of councillors and members of the public also raised the issue of parking and whether a change of use would be needed for Southfields, on Lillington Road, when the matter was discussed at this week’s [WED] planning committee of Warwick District Council but were told that these matters were legally sound.

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Neighbour Jo Foley spoke at the meeting, representing more than 20 local residents all of whom she explained had significant concerns about the development.

The Southfields site in Lillington Road, Leamington. Image courtesy of Google Maps.The Southfields site in Lillington Road, Leamington. Image courtesy of Google Maps.
The Southfields site in Lillington Road, Leamington. Image courtesy of Google Maps.

She said: “The creation of a new second floor and 16 new dormer windows will seriously affect the privacy of nearby properties - half of the new windows will overlook neighbouring properties, having direct lines of sight into bedrooms, living areas and gardens.”

Cllr Jennifer McAllister, from Royal Leamington Spa Town Council, pointed out that not all of the 46 apartments would have parking spaces with just 35 being provided on site and also urged developers La Cala Homes to provide a cycle space for each of the flats.

On the subject of parking, planning agent Peter Frampton said it had been demonstrated that there was adequate off-street parking and that the highways authority had not objected.

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He added: “All development brings about some degree of change to the local surroundings in which it is located. While neighbours may like it as it is, that is not the issue for determination.”

Concerns that the separation between one of the new bedrooms and a neighbouring property in Almond Avenue was below the council’s own limits was countered by development services manager Gary Fisher who said: “The residential design guide is just that - guidance.

“It is not the case that one particular size can fit every single situation.

But Cllr Colin Quinney (Lab, Leamington Clarendon) was unconvinced and proposed that permission be refused due to the breach of the council’s own distance of separation guidelines.

His proposal was agreed by the majority of other committee members.