Bristol care home criticised over extenstion plans
The Abbeyfield (Bristol) Society, which runs a care home at the site of two pairs of converted semi-detached houses in Westbury Road, wanted to create six extra apartments by converting four garages at the rear of its premises.
These garages back on to a narrow lane which is used by nearby residents to reach their own premises.
Residents objected to the plan on the grounds that it would be inappropriate in a conservation area.
They said it was a poor quality design and would be too overbearing.
They were also worried that the building line would be moved about three feet towards the lane, which would have made it very difficult for them to access their own garages.
Tory Councillor Barbara Lewis who chaired the Planning Committee (North) said: "We should be welcoming this kind of development because it is helping to fulfil a social need. But I am very disappointed there has not been any communication with the community.
"A lot of the problems could have been sorted out with some face-to-face contact instead of it coming to us in a state of conflict. I do feel there are still problems with this plan which need sorting out."
The committee unanimously agreed to refuse planning permission, despite a recommendation by planning officers to approve. They said a previous plan to convert the garages had been refused but this application had adequately dealt with issues of size and design.
Planning agent Colin Premble told councillors there was no reason why the building line could not be moved back by one metre.
Afterwards David Rae, director of Abbeyfield (Bristol) said: "We do take on board the committee's comments and the issue of communication is something for us to address. We do feel a part of the community in Henleaze but at the same time we do want to meet our obligations to our residents."
Resident Haydn Davies of Cavendish Road said: "We are obviously pleased."
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