Homeowner upset as Hull council rejects plan for driveway across grass verge
A HOUSEHOLDER says he is disappointed after city councillors rejected his plans to create a driveway across a grass verge.
Richard Pennack's planning application was rejected, despite 12 neighbouring houses in Park Avenue having verge crossovers.
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New rules: Richard Pennack, of Park Avenue, west Hull, has been refused planning permission to create a driveway across a grass verge outside his house. Picture: Simon Renilson
His was the first scheme to be considered since new rules were introduced removing permitted development rights for residents to lay driveways over grass verges in the Avenues, a designated conservation area.
Under the move, householders now have to apply for planning permission before any work can be carried out.
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Mr Pennack, said: "It is disappointing because we love living here and have spent a lot of time and money restoring the house and renovating period features.
"It was in a pretty rundown state when we bought it.
"Creating a parking space at the side of the property is necessary because there is no nearby street parking and our house is landlocked because there is no tenfoot in the area.
"I have a young family and this would have improved their safety."
Mr Pennack had even offered to use grass-based plastic meshing for the crossover to maintain the appearance of the verge.
His plans also included installing ornamental gates and fencing to enclose the driveway next to the house, once the home of famous flying pioneer Amy Johnson and her family.
His immediate neighbour Angie Smith spoke in favour of the scheme at the council's planning committee.
She said: "Park Avenue is a diverse area. Conservation is important but so is common sense."
Planning agent Doug Jennings, who worked with Mr Pennack on the proposals, said the new planning policy covering the whole of the Avenues area was too restrictive.
He said: "While I accept it does not mean a blanket ban on verge crossings, it does mean they now need planning permission.
"In this case, I would argue there should be an allowance for differences in character in particular areas.
"Of 19 properties on this stretch of Park Avenue, 12 have verge crossovers.
"Grass verges might be one of the characters of the wider Avenues area but not here."
However, the prospect of another grass verge and the loss of a mature lime tree to make way for the driveway proved too much for councillors, even though two new trees would have been planted as replacements.
They voted to refuse planning permission after hearing from a number of residents who spoke against the proposals.
Councillor John Fareham said: "We have chosen to implement this policy for the area and the Avenues is overwhelmingly an area of grass verges.
"On balance, we have to refuse this and stick by our policy."
Comments
by JONB83
Wednesday, November 14 2012, 5:11PM
“Sorry to be factual here, but a driveway to this house would not reduce parking for other residents; it would actually increase it! Double yellow lines already prevent parking in front of the house.”
by Ambertigerfan
Wednesday, November 14 2012, 2:41AM
“Dave_Navarro: It does not state that the grass verge is owned by the council anywhere in the article, perhaps you should reread the piece yourself.
The lime tree would be replaced by two replacement trees.
Individuals have rights to modify their property.
Again, there are already TWELVE similar drives in place!!! The ruling is pointless.
Big Government= bad idea!!!”
by JayOnly
Wednesday, November 14 2012, 1:24AM
“Because there are so many properties converted to flats there are far too many cars for the street parking. If every one was allowed to have a private drive - which would have to be left clear for access - there would be even less space to park, encouraging even more applications and altering the whole character of the area. If I remember someone put there own drive in without planning and it was left at that. I think it should have been refused and returned to its original state at the expense of the people who did it.
No I don't live in that area nor would I want to. The nice places are outnumbered by too many poor roads, grubby flats, waste bins and chavs. I'll stay on Endike with the Egyptians”
by Robert_hope
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 5:12PM
“I know the owners of this property and there's NO mention that the tree is damaging their house! This is a rediculous decision by the council, but this story doesn't warrant half a page in the HDM!”
by steveodore
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 2:18PM
“This is this Avenue Nazi party at work here, a few people who think their opinion is more valid than any other householder, hell, they even have a list of what tradesmen you should use to do work on your own property.
You sometimes have to ask yourself is it worth living around here anymore.”
by Ianm_hull
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 12:42PM
“The right decision. Think yourself lucky to be able to afford to live in such a nice spot, and don't go spoiling it.”
by Adam089
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 11:15AM
“Ridiculous decision, the idiocy of some people!”
by AstynomiaKats
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 11:07AM
“News coming up in the Mail.... Budgie escapes in Hessle Road area!”
by exnorthhull
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 11:00AM
“I think Robert ball aka kempton aka n*b should keep his comments on the non story you muppet”
by Dave_Navarro
Tuesday, November 13 2012, 10:42AM
“Ambertiger, please read the article again and try and comprehend what is being said.
The large grass verge between the Pennack's property and the road is owned by the council.
I would assume that a major factor in the planning refusal is the proposed removal of a large mature lime tree which cannot easily be replaced.”