A planning application for another building at the Peggy Dodd Centre in Combe Down has been approved.
The Peggy Dodd Centre in Combe Down | Image © Google Street View / Google 2024
The day centre for people suffering from memory loss applied to the council to erect a “much-needed” garden room for patients.
The centre, which is based at Brierley House in Summer Lane, said the new building would not require any further parking spaces but would enhance the caring of existing patients.
It will be used for art therapy sessions, crafts, quiet time and assessments.
It will be clad in dark grey stained timber with a slate grey roof.
The day centre is in use between 9am and 3.30pm on weekdays.
B&NES Council received five objections from people living nearby about the proposed garden room, with concerns including that the roof would result in overshadowing, the use of the building would increase noise disturbance and loss of privacy, and that there are more suitable positions on the site that would be less obtrusive for neighbours.
Concern was also voiced about the “unattractive” chosen colour and material.
Neighbours said the centre has already been significantly extended and the development on site is now extremely imposing and closer to the perimeter of the site.
Council planners noted that the site has been extended throughout recent years, but also pointed out that there are many conservatories, outbuildings, extensions and garages at nearby residential properties.
They said: “The proposed building is not considered harmful to the local character.”
They described the new building as low in height and said it will be set back from the nearest boundaries by approximately 3.3 metres. Given the design, scale and siting of the garden room, they said it will not cause significant harm through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise, smell, traffic or other disturbance.
The planners’ report also noted: “It is raised that elements of the existing site cause disturbances for neighbours, including ventilation fans and night-time security lights.
“These elements are not subject to consideration as part of this application. Should these elements cause unacceptable disturbance, this should be raised with the B&NES environmental protection team.”
