Improvements to an “eyesore” house in a quiet Wooburn residential estate have been welcomed by neighbours – after previous plans to turn it into flats were rejected.
Residents living near 46 Wooburn Manor Park have written to Buckinghamshire Council in support of the owner’s fresh plans to subdivide the house into two flats and make “alterations” on the outside.
The house has been branded an “eyesore” by neighbours because of its poor condition with boarded up windows, piles of rubble and bizarre handmade signs and posters in the front windows.
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Those living in Wooburn Manor Park objected to the owner’s previous plans, submitted last year, to build an extension so it could be subdivided into two self-contained flats.
They said the quiet family estate does not have any flats on it, so they would be out of place – and raised fears about parking.
Those plans were turned down by the council because the extension would make the plot “cramped” and would be “dominant, intrusive and overbearing” for neighbours.
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But new plans have now been submitted, which does away with any extensions – instead seeking to simply subdivide what is already there into two flats and add a new front door.
Neighbours have responded positively to the latest proposal, saying “any improvement” on how it looks currently would be welcome.
Dave Airley, who lives next door, said: “Number 46 has been in disrepair for many years and we are delighted that Mr Kamperis is finally addressing this by bringing the property in line with the neighbourhood.”
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Frank Darch said: “As there will be no external structural change to this property in the current plan, we have no objection to it.
“It is to be hoped that there will be a substantial improvement to the exterior appearance of this property, which has had no kerb appeal for years.”
And Kelvin Lacey added: “Whilst it is an unfortunate precedent with regards to flats being part of the overall design aspect of Wooburn Manor Park, as the external appearance remains the same – no damage will be done to the architectural integrity.
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“Due to current condition of the house – any improvement would be welcome.”
Cllr Miriam Blazey, on Wooburn Green and Bourne End Parish Council’s planning, highways and lighting committee on April 21, said it was the first time she had seen neighbours “so happy about something”, adding: “It’s definitely a positive.”
Cllr Mike Seaton said: “I feel sorry for the people who live next door to it.”
Buckinghamshire Council will now decide if the plans can go ahead or not.
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