Bungalow protection policy is put to one side to improve a Milton Keynes conservation area

A council policy to protect bungalows has been put to one side by a Government planning inspector to help improve a conservation area.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Inspector Michael Boniface sided with householder Will Edwards by saying that the bungalow in West Street, Olney, had ‘little architectural merit’ and the plan to add an extra storey would improve the conservation area.

Milton Keynes Council had refused to give planning permission at the end of February saying it was against its policies.

The council sees bungalows as providing for an ageing population and for those with impaired mobility or specific needs.

West Street, OlneyWest Street, Olney
West Street, Olney

Mr Edwards appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and Mr Boniface came for a look around the area on July 15.

The inspector said the fact that the bungalow is in the conservation area meant he was required to pay special attention to plans that preserved or enhanced it.

“The existing bungalow is a relatively contemporary structure built from brick that is insensitive to the surrounding area and presents little architectural merit,” he said in his letter dated July 24.

He said it would be replaced with a stone and slate built property reflecting the 1.5 storey design and materials of others in the mews.

Mr Boniface said: “The council accepts that the development would be of a scale, design and finish that would be in keeping with the local area and would contribute positively.

“I am inclined to agree and consider that the proposal would in fact enhance the character and appearance of the appeal property and the conservation area. This weighs positively in favour of the development.”

He added that even though the bungalow would be lost, its replacement would be easier for people with mobility issues to use.