Background information on this conservation area:

On the eastern side of Morrab Gardens are three housing terraces. Two of them directly abut the gardens and share boundries. The third is at the vehicular entrance to the gardens. All three terraces have similar characteristics and are noticeable contributors to the character and feel of the area.

Morrab Terraces: Tall, Georgian style terrace houses with gardens & gravel driveways up to road edge.

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Criticism of the proposal and application

References in the proposal/application don’t seem relevant:

• Reference locations of granite are on roadside, while proposal location is inside a garden.
• Reference location is municipal, while the proposal is residential.

This type of granite arrangement would be unusual on the inside of any residential garden driveway and would represent a clear departure from the established landscaping character of the terraces surrounding Morrab Gardens.

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The application states: “This will improve the aesthetics.”

The term “improve” is subjective. The proposal would certainly change the aesthetics, which is the basis of this objection.

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The application mentions the use of “traditional materials.” However, the materials described are not traditionally or commonly used within residential driveways in the way described. A change of this nature, affecting a prominent driveway entrance visible directly from the road, would alter the character of the area, contrary to the purpose of the Article 4 Direction.

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The application states: “…create a harder wearing surface at the entrance, which encounters the most traffic and heavy wear and tear.”

As an owner at Coulsons Terrace, I can confirm that the driveway entrance is not the area where most wear and tear occurs, and there is no existing issue in that location.

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The application states: “This is of a design consistent with the materials and construction of the cobbled road gulleys running down each side of the immediately adjacent public road and similar to many traditional entrances in the immediate and wider area.”

This point is irrelevant, as the municipal gulleys referenced are part of the roadway, whereas the driveway is within a private residential garden. The claim is also misleading because the proposed design is not consistent with any residential driveway entrances in the immediate or wider area.

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Throughout the application, one area is referred to as “hardstanding”. However, this area is not used for parking; it serves as a residential driveway entrance. The proposed design is significantly over-engineered for a residential driveway and inconsistent with the character of this Conservation Area.

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Within the Conservation Area, other terraces with gardens are situated close to one another and share a consistent landscaping style that should be conserved.

In particular, along the eastern side of Morrab Gardens, there are three tall Georgian-style terraces that share similar design characteristics in their buildings, gardens, parking areas, and driveways. All have gravel driveways extending up to the road edge.

The proposed design does not reference or align aesthetically with any existing residential driveway within the Conservation Area.

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The application states: “This application is made collectively by the owners of Coulsons Terrace who are all members of the Coulsons Terrace Residents Association”

In fact, the application has been submitted by a single resident acting independently, despite being informed by the majority of owners at Coulsons Terrace that they do not support the proposal.