Home in garden of Victorian Leeds villa set for approval despite neighbours' wishes

Plans to build a house next to a Victorian '˜villa' in an affluent part of West Leeds are set for approval, despite objections from neighbours.
Newlay Lane, Horsforth. Pic: Google.Newlay Lane, Horsforth. Pic: Google.
Newlay Lane, Horsforth. Pic: Google.

Leeds City Council’s South and West Plans Panel will tomorrow meet to discuss an application for a new detached house in a side garden at 38A Newlay Lane – part of a large semi-detached home in Horsforth.

The new home would be for those living at the adjoining number 38, a statement by architects shows.

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The site is within Newlay Conservation Area, and those who oppose the plans say it is an example of “garden grabbing” and object to a reduction in the height of a wall.

In an objection, the occupants of 38B Newlay Lane described the plan as “un-neighbourly”.

Jonathan and Julie Moss wrote: “We chose to buy a detached house in this conservation area for the character, open aspect and privacy it promised. We bought a house that was not overlooked.

“The residential amenity would be destroyed by this proposed build.

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“The practice of ‘garden grabbing’ should be prevented, especially where this will impact on neighbouring homes.

“This application sets a dangerous precedent for all those concerned with the preservation and protection of designated conservation areas.”

Martin Hughes, chairman of Newlay Conservation Society and Horsforth Civic Society, also expressed concern.

It is feared that reducing a boundary wall from up to 1.95 metres to under one metre would impact the conservation area – places designated for their historic interest.

The applicant’s agent, David R Bamford Architects, declined to comment.

A report recommends that councillors approve the plan.