Junction safety fears over planned Swindon home extension

The application for 2 Retingham Way in Kingsdown, Swindon, proposes 'erection of two storey side extension and a single-storey front extension' to the detached home, which sits opposite the junction with Windbrook Meadow.

The proposal was referred to Swindon Borough Council's planning committee by ward councillor Councillor Marco Di Pinto, after concerns were raised about highway safety, the safe operation of the junction, and the impact on a nearby community facility - a scout hut, according to the report.

Six objections were received from neighbours, raising issues including loss of parking, increased congestion, and the visual impact on the area.

The 1st Stratton St Margaret Scout Group also objected, citing concerns about the loss of vegetation, increased overlooking, and the safety of young people due to more pavement parking.

Despite the objections, planning officers have recommended the application be approved, stating that it meets planning policy and would not cause unacceptable harm to neighbouring properties or the character of the area.

It notes that the two-storey side extension would be less than half the width of the existing house and would not extend beyond the front or rear elevations.

The single-storey front extension is described as 'relatively small' and 'would not adversely impact on the appearance of the host dwelling.'

The report concludes that the proposed works are 'modest in scale', and would not harm the character or appearance of the host property or the street.

Concerns about loss of parking and highway safety were also addressed.

Statton St Margaret Parish Council raised no formal objection but commented that more parking may be needed, echoing the views of some residents.

Councillor Di Pinto objected on the grounds of highway safety, including the impact on the T-junction, displaced parking, and potential traffic issues during events at the scout hut.

He also raised concerns about the scale and positioning of the extension and its effect on privacy and overlooking of the scout hut’s outdoor space.

The report confirms that the required three parking spaces for a four-bedroom property can be accommodated on site and that the existing access remains suitable.

The Local Highway Authority raised no objection, subject to the inclusion of 'suitable conditions'.

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Planning officers concluded the extensions would not cause unacceptable harm to nearby homes.

The report states that the two-storey extension would be on the opposite side of the property from the immediate neighbour and would not affect light, privacy, or outlook.

A new rear-facing window would serve a bathroom and would not increase overlooking of the scout hut beyond what is already possible, according to the report.

The front extension would be closer to 4 Retingham Way, whose occupier objected on the grounds of possible light loss and the development being overbearing.

However, officers said the extension would not breach the 45-degree viewing line from the neighbour’s front ground floor window and would not result in significant loss of light or outlook.

Concerns about noise were noted, but officers said the modest increase in living space would not result in a material change to the use of the property.

The report concludes that the extensions are modest in scale and design and would not harm the character of the property or the wider area.

The Planning Committee will make a decision at its meeting on Tuesday, September 8 at 6pm.