A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build six homes on a residential car park has been described as “cramped and incongruous” by an urban designer.

Commenting on the plans submitted to the borough council to develop the land in Halliday Close, Cranbourne, John Dawson, from the council’s urban design team, said: “I object to the planning application on the grounds that the proposal for six dwellings, due to its siting and appearance, would appear as a cramped and incongruous form of development which would fail to respect the established pattern of development and character of the surrounding area.”

As previously reported, more than 40 residents have objected to the plans submitted by Quadron Investments, after its previous application to build eight homes on the land was withdrawn in June.

Neighbours objected to the proposed development saying it would exacerbate parking problems in the area, and also raised concerns about emergency access.

Mr Dawson said the proposal would “comprise overdevelopment” and be contrary to various planning policies and principles.

He added: “Parked cars would be a very intrusive feature of the street-scene to its detriment. The way that a driver or pedestrian would wind their way between these parking spaces and the bin and bike stores when traversing the site lends a particularly cramped and awkward aspect to the layout.”

He claimed there would be “harm to the residential amenity of existing residents and those who would occupy the new units”, adding that the back-to-back distance between homes would cause “unacceptable levels of overlooking”.

However, he concluded: “I am very confident that an acceptable scheme can be proposed for this site. A small reduction in the number of units and adjustments to siting and elevations would probably suffice.”

The council’s landscape team raised concerns about emergency access, commenting that it would “add to an already overcrowded street restricting access for service vehicles and access to the garages beyond”.

The development would consist of two three-bedroom houses; two one-bedroom flats; and two one-bedroom maisonettes, along with nine parking spaces.

The application states: “There are no formal agreements or arrangements in place for public or private use of the site for car parking. It is understood that any use of the site for car parking over the years has been on an informal and temporary basis. The proposals would, therefore, not result in any loss of car parking for the area.

“The policy-compliant provision of car parking for the new development ensures there will be no additional demand for on-street car parking as a result of the proposals.”