Objections to homes plan for former Torquay Jehovah's Witnesses hall

Neighbours are objecting to plans to convert a former religious hall into three homes in a narrow Torquay street.

Larkmead Homes has applied for planning permission to demolish part of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for the scheme in St James' Place, off Babbacombe Down Road.

Neighbours have submitted objections, including opposition to the design and position of new windows from the proposed development facing their homes.

Planning officers are recommending approval with conditions at a meeting of Torbay Council’s planning committee tomorrow (Monday, January 11).

The scheme involves converting the building into a pair of two-bedroom homes, and a one-bedroom single storey house with a mezzanine level.

The proposals were revised following discussions with council officers, and include removing part of the front of the building to create an enclosed front courtyard with bins and cycle storage.

A report to the meeting said two parking spaces in the original plans had been removed, but the homes would be close to a bus route and car parks.

The report said the proposals had been carefully designed to minimise any overlooking to an acceptable level, including the use of obscured glazing, and the development would not lead to unacceptable noise for neighbours.

The report said: “Given its siting, scale, and design, it is considered that the proposal would not result in any unacceptable harm to the amenities of neighbours in terms of their privacy, outlook, or access to natural light.”