Alarm over man’s plans to build second home in garden

The construction will be along this narrow cul-de-sac in Southampton (Image: Google)Residents are alarmed about a homeowner’s plans to build a second house in his back garden off a tiny cul-de-sac.Neighbours believe the development could cause parking problems and access issues.But the planning application for the plot of land in Sholing, Southampton, has now been approved by the local council.The homeowner already built one new dwelling in the back garden last year and now wants to construct another. It would be two storeys tall with three bedrooms, and would have two parking spaces, Hampshire Live reports.One resident told the Southampton City Council they had “serious concerns” about the proposal, which was assessed and approved by the authority last week.They said: “Many times, I have found it difficult to park or leave my parking space as it’s often overcrowded and the turning circle is very tight. The bays are short so often larger cars overhang them which makes access to some of the spaces very difficult.”Vehicles also park in the cul de sac when visiting neighbours’ properties and adding a three-bed house to the cul de sac will only make parking and access issues worse.”Southampton City Council said the latest application adheres to planning legislation but the material used must “match in all respects” those used on the existing property.Even after the decision, locals shared their ire on social media. One said: “It’s happening everywhere now!”Another, who referred to access issues, stated: “Hopefully he’s got enough room for off-the-street parking.”In a determination of application document, the council said: “The development hereby permitted shall begin no later than three years from the date on which this planning permission was granted.”In pursuance of its powers under the above Act and Regulations, Southampton City Council, as the Local Planning Authority, hereby gives notice that the application described below has been determined.”