Two family homes in Whalley plan refused by council

The proposal was to build the homes in King Street, Whalley, after knocking down two workshops that were built in the 1970s.

Currently, one is used as a hobby garage, while the other is a small commercial garage that deals in vintage cars.

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The decision notice from Ribble Valley Borough Council explained that, under the current plans, the proposed building would overlook the rear boundary of another house in King Street, impacting the “quality of life of the occupiers of this property by way of loss of privacy.”

The council also noted there was “insufficient evidence” supplied by the applicant, Jim King, that future occupants of the houses would not be subject to “unacceptable levels of noise and disturbance” from nearby businesses.

They also noted the site is in an area at risk of flooding, and there had been insufficient evidence supplied to demonstrate there were no other reasonable sites nearby with a lower risk of flooding.

The site of the proposed houses in King Street, Whalley (Image: Peter Hitchen Architects)

A design and access statement submitted to the council said: “The dwellings will comprise a small living room, utility and open plan kitchen/dining/living room to the ground floor, and have two double bedrooms, a family bathroom, and a study to the first floor. A WC will also be provided to the ground floor.

“There will be two parking spaces per dwelling, also retaining the two parking spaces to the opposite side of the access lane.

“To the rear of the properties will be private gardens with amenity space.

“The materials will be natural stone walls with reclaimed natural slate roof and softwood painted doors and windows with stone surrounds.

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“The first floor windows to the north and south elevations have been carefully considered and positioned to mitigate any loss of privacy to the existing dwellings.

“The site comprises of existing two single-storey workshops of the mid-to-late 20th century, located at the rear of King Street, which is occupied by a mixed use of residential and retail.”

Mr King has six months to appeal the council’s decision.

To view the plans in full, visit the council’s planning website.