2023 Submissions

The first submission of the year was an objection to the proposed erection of a single-storey rear extension, two-storey front extension, and addition of a single storey side porch at 5 Gerard Road. The use of timber cladding on the porch was not consistent with other properties in this part of the conservation area and therefore did not maintain the character. In addition a flat roof and modern design of door way are not appropriate. There was also a proposed automated gate to provide privacy from the busy street front and sidewalk, for which there are no details. This was also out of keeping with the other properties in the road. (23/P/0148/FUH)  APPROVED AFTER DESIGN CHANGES OVERCOME AREAS OF CONCERN

In February an objection was raised against the retrospective application for the erection of a 2m wooden fence to replace a dead hedge at 29 Uphill Road North. The Society was surprised that the hedge became dead in less than 2 years from that shown on StreetView. The adopted Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan, highlighted that for Uphill Road North the Loss of/inappropriate boundary treatments there were no examples, not an issue. (23/P/0082/FUH) REFUSED

The month continued with an objection to the application for the removal of existing paper and paste billboards and replacement with an illuminated digital billboard on the wall of 64 Alfred Street at the busy junction between Alfred Street, Baker Street and Meadow Street. Images sequencing every ten seconds would be a distraction to motorists and a nuisance to the flats opposite. (23/P/0326/ADV) REFUSED

In March an objection was raised against the retrospective application for the removal of existing part-damaged fence at the South elevation, and erection of a 1.5m painted metal fence on the same footprint at 28 Arundell Road. It was considered a 1 metre high fence above the wall would provide safety protection and a deterrent to any passing opportunist burglar. The choice of material and colour were questioned. (23/P/0443/FUH) REFUSED

Also in March a further objection was made to the retrospective application for the replacement dormer window, garage extension, erection of a side conservatory, Loft conversion and raising of boundary wall at 26 Worlebury Park Road. The property is not in a Conservation Area but is in a well laid out mature development where walls are intact and some also are topped with hedging. (23/P/0539/FUH) APPROVED

In June an objection was made to the retrospective application for the erection of a boundary fence behind boundary wall fronting Furze Road at 70 Cliff Road, which is outside the conservation area. The ground level is significant higher than the pavement level and so a fence is required. However, the house was not prominent behind the increased height of the new fence, losing a sense of openness. (23/P/1111/FUH) APPROVED

In  the same month an objection has been made to the design of the proposed installation of two 13 person lifts at Weston station. The use of zinc cladding and off white ceramic cladding is not in keeping with the listed building and resembles an add-on warehouse storage facility. The favoured option would be to use a glazed external lift. (23/P/1133/LBC) NO DECISION YET

In July an objection was made to the retrospective application for the erection of 1 metre high boundary fence on top of existing wall at 28 Worlebury Park Road, which is outside the conservation area. The property lies in a prominent position on the corner of the junction between Worlebury Park Road and Furze Road. The fence spoils the street scene. (23/P/1172/FUH) APPROVED

Also in July a  comment was made on the application to convert the T J Hughes building and create a ground floor office area and 32 residential units above. The development of this long term redundant building was welcomed. Concern was expressed of the potential impact of empty offices on the street scene. Additional car parking was proposed. An updated application had changed the offices to shops. (23/P/0985/FUL) NO DECISION YET