Plans to turn two Durrington houses into six flats criticised

The application, submitted by Saxon Gate Homes, would see two Durrington homes knocked down.

Durrington Town Council has said the plans, for 90 and 92 Bulford Road, would be overdevelopment and are out of character with the rest of the village. 

The buildings would be demolished and replaced with four two-bedroom flats, and two one-bedroom flats.

Parking and hard and soft landscaping would also be provided.

Floor plans

Flats would be created at ground, first and second floor levels with the upper floor being entirely situated within the roofspace.

Vehicular and pedestrian access to the site would be provided via the established access onto Bulford Road just to the north of the site, with parking for 10 vehicles provided at the rear of the building.

The planning statement states that although the proposals would create flats across three storeys, the proposed development "would be inkeeping with the general height of development along this stretch of Bulford Road", adding: "The efficient use of space is achieved by utilising rooms in the roofspace of the building, so particularly when viewed from the road the property will appear similar to many of the existing 2-storey properties in the area."

Proposed site plan

An application was submitted to Wiltshire Council in December 2017, seeking planning permission for the erection of five dwellings on a parcel of land immediately to the rear of this site, which was approved in May 2018.

Following the part-implementation of these plans, an application was then submitted which sought permission for the erection of five three-bedroom dwellings, which was approved by the Council in October 2020.

The planning statement says: "The creation of 6 new dwellings attracts substantial weight in favour of the development. The proposed development would also make a more efficient use of land than the previously approved application."

'Overdevelopment and out of character'

Durrington Town Council has criticised the plans, saying it classes it as "overdevelopment and out of character with the village".

The council also questioned the safety of children, should any move into the properties.

Its statement says: "By designing property with 4 x 2 bed dwellings families with young children could be housed. The only play area for children would be the grass amenity area at the front of the properties.

"This grass area will be in full view of people passing up and down Bulford Road including passengers in vehicles and from top deck of busses.

"Would those children be safe? How would a family feel sitting on the grass having a picnic in the summer being overlooked by all passers by?"

Wiltshire Councillor for Durrington and Larkhill, Graham Wright, has called the application in to be discussed by the plannincommitteeee.

To view the plans in full, click here.

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