A planning application has been submitted to demolish a three-bedroom house and garage in Broad Lane, Hampton, to make way for a new five-bedroom home—despite three previous refusals on the site.

The applicant, Irina Hirtian, has had three earlier proposals rejected by Richmond Council—on 2 February 2024, 12 August 2024, and most recently for a similar plan involving the demolition of the existing home and garage to make way for a six-bedroom dwelling.

Council planning documents cite concerns around adverse traffic impacts, an "overly dominant" design, and harm to neighbouring properties as the main reasons for refusal.

The proposed five bedroom home on 77 Broad Lane (credit: Planning application).

In a bid to address these concerns, White Planning, acting as the applicant's agent, says it has revised the size and design of the new proposal to increase its chances of approval.

The current property is described as a detached chalet-style dwelling with accommodation in the former roof space.

The new application proposes demolishing the existing home and garage, while reducing the overall height of the new building compared to previous plans.

White Planning argues the revised plans now represent a balanced family home that is in keeping with the area.

The proposed home between the existing neighbouring properties (credit: Planning application).

"The existing property is a two-storey property that has accommodation in the roof," the agent said.

"The original planning consent clearly sets out that the scheme approved was for a two-storey house, not a bungalow.

"It is considered that this proposal overcomes the concerns and reasons for refusal and delivers a well-balanced family home that respects local architecture, neighbours' amenities, and the street scene."

They added that the new design takes into account the character of neighbouring properties, especially the non-designated heritage asset at No. 79 Broad Lane, saying: "The proposed main elevation reflects the distinctive character of the area and incorporates sympathetic design features guided by the neighbouring built form."

Despite the changes, the revised proposal—application PA25/1176—has already received three representations, including two objections from neighbours at 79 Broad Lane and 103 Wensleydale Road.

The existing home between the neighbouring properties (credit: Planning application).

Mrs Fiona Jones, representing the owners of 79 Broad Lane, said that although changes had been made, the building was still essentially a "square box".

Her report stated: "It has not been carefully designed for this site.

"The proposed development would be a five-bedroom, three-storey dwelling which would be significantly bulkier and out of keeping than the neighbouring properties.

"The roof alone would comprise two bedrooms and a bathroom—demonstrating how large and high the roof would need to be to accommodate 40% of the bedrooms."

Mark and Anna Morrison, of 103 Wensleydale Road, also objected: "The replacement of the current two-storey, chalet-style build with a substantially more imposing three-storey 'sheer wall' build will inevitably have an un-neighbourly, overbearing, and visually intrusive impact on our property."

Richmond Council is expected to make a decision on the application by 5 June 2025.

To read the full application, click here.

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