An Isle of Wight woman claims she was “shouted at” in a way she found “intimidating and distressing” after objecting to a neighbour’s planning bid.
Suzanne Warwick was among 5 members of the public to oppose Steve Haines’s now approved plans for a four-bedroom replacement house looking onto the Solent at 19 Queens Road in Cowes.
The proposal received four letters of support, including from Mr Haines himself.
It is the ‘third attempt’ by the applicants to develop the site, according to a Design and Access Statement from KnoxHowell Architects.
A ‘modest, detached’ existing building at the site dates from the 1950s, the document adds.
“The applicants understand the importance of the site and its prominent position within the Cowes Conservation Area and have compromised on their personal aspirations to allow the design of their future home to be directed by local context and character.
“Consequently, we feel the proposal would enhance the development site, the adjacent Heritage Assets and the Conservation Area.
“The design team has worked collaboratively with senior planning officers throughout the application to ensure that concerns and feedback were addressed as a staged process.”
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However, in a letter to County Hall’s planning department, Ms Warwick said the application ‘will harm the special character of the Cowes Conservation Area’ and ‘cause unacceptable loss of amenity’ to neighbours.
The proposal has also ‘not adequately addressed the known land stability issues in this part of Cowes’, she added.
In a further submission published by the council at the end of September, Ms Warwick said she was ‘directly approached’ by the applicant.
“During this encounter, I was shouted at in a way that I found intimidating and distressing.
“I want to make it clear that my comments have been made solely through the proper planning channels and relate only to the application itself, not to the applicant personally.
“I do not wish to be approached or spoken to in this manner again. If this behaviour continues, I will have no choice but to make a further complaint to the appropriate authorities.”
When approached on the matter, Mr Haines declined to comment.
In a decision report on application 25/01177/FUL, the council said the proposed property has been designed with an ‘underlying symmetry and grid reflecting the architecture of the adjacent listed buildings’.
“The new dwelling would be well proportioned, would sit in a generous plot with strong vertical proportions, face north with details that reflect contemporary architectural design.
“The existing building is a poor design that detracts from the appearance and character of the Conservation Area and creates a gap in an otherwise built-up frontage. The new property would conserve and enhance the conservation area.
“The existing building is located high on the site, and there are significant issues of overlooking into the side of Solent Lodge and into the rear of 21 Queens Road.
“The replacement dwelling would reduce overlooking and by being set down level with 17 Queens Road, with a good distance between properties, it would not be overbearing and would maintain the amenities of neighbouring residents.”
Conditions relating to planning policy and legal compliance, the safety and stability of the site and adjoining property, the interests of local amenity, environmental protection, the development’s appearance and conservation were included in the consent.
Too many men speak to women distrespectfully,
time they grew up and learnt some respect.
Not another miserable NIMBY get a lift and let others have one