Homeowner’s garage plan backed amid ‘overdevelopment’ concerns

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A Newport homeowner’s plans for a new garage and garden room have been approved despite some local concerns.

The city council’s planning committee heard applicant Nathan Howells wanted to add the outbuildings to his property on Outfall Lane, in St Bride’s Wentlooge – a hamlet on the city’s outskirts.

Planning officer Jonathan Jones told the meeting officers recommended permission be granted, but two ward councillors had asked for the committee to have the final say.

He said Wentlooge Community Council and two neighbours had objected to the plans, with concerns including potential overdevelopment of the land.

But Mr Jones said the buildings, if completed, were judged to avoid “any unacceptable impact in respect of outlook, overbearing or overlooking”.

Noting other nearby properties had similar outbuildings, he added: “The garage would be visible within the public realm, but we are satisfied the scale, siting and design are appropriate.

“The proposal would not seem out of character with the area.”

The community council had questioned whether previous planning controls would prevent new development on the land, but Mr Jones said that prior restriction “simply requires that proposals are assessed through the planning process”.

“Due regard has been given to the site’s sensitive location and the proposal has been carefully assessed in terms of its impact on local character,” he added.

Applicant Mr Howells told the committee the proposed buildings would be “visually coherent” with his home, as well as “consistent with the established character of the immediate area”.

Committee members voted 7-1 in favour of granting planning permission, subject to conditions.

Its chairman, Cllr Malcolm Linton, said: “Looking at the plans for this application, I can’t see it being any different from the neighbouring properties that have got a number of sheds within their boundaries.”