Whitby property’s unauthorised outdoor decking refused by council

​Ove and Grethe Andresen’s retrospective application to “regularise” the construction of raised timber decking at their property in Whitby has been refused by North Yorkshire Council over concerns about its impact on the town’s historic conservation area.

​The applicants said that “the development supports the continued residential and holiday use of Kirkby House at Long Steps, Church Street, which is consistent with prevailing patterns of occupation in this part of Whitby”.

​They added that it “provides private outdoor amenity space in a location constrained by steep topography and limited garden provision”.

​However, planning officers described it as “a private benefit ” with “no advantages to the wider public that would outweigh the visual harm caused by the boundary treatment”.

​A planning report also highlighted that the property “already benefited from a much smaller timber side balcony”.

​Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents Whitby Streonshalh, said: “The unauthorised construction is inappropriate in Whitby’s conservation area and likely to cause disamenity to the adjacent residential properties whose residents are entitled to the quiet enjoyment of their homes.”

​The planning report stated: “It is emphasised that the area holds great significance with regard to the Whitby conservation area and, as such, the use of materials is an important factor in relation to the character of the area.

​“It is noted in the assessment that poor-quality boundary treatment can have an adverse impact on the character of the conservation area.”

​The applicants defended the development in a design statement submitted to the authority, stating: “The proposal constitutes a proportionate and contextually responsive intervention that makes efficient use of limited external space within a sensitive historic environment.

​“On this basis, there are no material planning grounds that would justify refusal, and planning permission should be granted for the retention of the decking.

​However, officers concluded that the development “causes an unacceptable level of harm to neighbouring amenity”.

​The retrospective application was refused by North Yorkshire Council.