The homeowners want to build the extension to accommodate an elderly relative
The ground works behind the house in Redland(Image: Bristol City Council )
A planned extension in Redland described by neighbours as a “concrete hell” has been given permission to be built. Councillors in City Hall heard how people living next to the planned extension feared their “little patch of paradise” would be transformed, but approved the plans.
Homeowners on Cranbrook Road are planning to build an extension behind their house for an elderly relative. The houses along that road have very steep back gardens, and a lot of ground has already been excavated with giant retaining walls put up.
Neighbours have reported the works to the council, prompting visits from council enforcement officers. Both sides of the row were heard by councillors on the planning committee B on Wednesday, November 19, who were warned their powers to intervene on issues were limited.
Graham Pears, who lives next door, said: “This is the wrong project for the wrong area. If it were a flat plot, it would be completely different. It’ll transform our little patch of paradise into a concrete hell, because it’s a really green, verdant area, and it’s going to be a concrete pit with concrete walls all round it. It goes entirely against the character of the area in every respect.”
He added that the extension would block sunlight into his patio and rooms at the back of his house. He also complained that nobody from the council had come to visit the site and see for themselves the difference the extension would make. Giant retaining walls that have been installed are another concern of neighbours.
Dhanesh Singh, the applicant, said: “There’s no overlooking, privacy or sunlight shadowing. The extension is at the rear of the property, so not visible from the street or public realm. We would like to create a garden for not just this generation, but the one after as well. We feel victimised and all we want is a resolution to all of this.
“Financially, it’s been a strain. We’re not asking for the world, we just want somewhere for our kids to play with their grandad. The garden isn’t going to be a concrete jungle. We want to put grass down and keep as much turf in it as possible because it costs money to get rid of that turf. My kids live with a camping stove and an air fryer at the moment.”
Voting in favour were Labour Councillors Lisa Durston and Don Alexander, Liberal Democrat Cllr Caroline Gooch and Conservative Cllr Bador Uddin. Voting against were Green Cllrs Guy Poultney, Lisa Stone, Mohamed Makawi and Abi Finch. As the vote was tied, Cllr Alexander used his casting vote as chair of the committee to approve the plans.
Cllr Alexander said: “It’s not for us to stop people doing things with their back gardens in my opinion. There’s a liberties issue there. It is about telling people what we require legally in order for that to be done safely and respectfully for the neighbours, and then allowing them the freedom to make that choice.
“We don’t just stop things because it’s not a good idea. As a committee we don’t have the technical ability to design a supporting wall. I don’t have a say in what my neighbour’s garden shed looks like. If he wants to paint his shed pink, he can paint it pink, and that’s his right.”