Fire-ravaged bungalow to be demolished and new chalet erected despite neighbours’ concerns

Firefighters were nearly trapped inside when the roof collapsed as they tackled the blaze in Chapel Way, Ewell, earlier this year.

From March: Near miss: Ceiling collapses on firefighters as bungalow goes up in flames

The house’s elderly resident was not inside during the fire, but her home was destroyed.

An investigation concluded the fire was started through a faulty appliance.

Now, following approval from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council’s planning department last month, the charred remnants of the bungalow will be cleared and a new chalet built in its place.

Approval was given despite neighbours objecting to the proposal on grounds it would restrict light and infringe on their privacy.

William Collins, of Chapel Way, wrote to the council stating: “We are very concerned at the loss of privacy placing the dormer windows on the new side will cause.

“The amount of light received in the side bedroom (of our house) was already restricted by the original wall, but the extra height to accommodate the dormer and the extension of the wall by four metres will reduce that light severely.”

Another neighbour, Ian Woodroofe, wrote: “We are concerned about the overbearing relationship this bigger, taller building has on our property given the elevation of the road – it is higher than our property by nearly 1.5 metres.”

Sutton and East Surrey Water Company, Surrey County Council Rights of Way, Councillors Nicholas Harrison, Jill Bray and Robert Harper were consulted on the application, but did not give representations.

The application was approved provided construction is begun in the next three years, and a detailed tree protection plan is submitted.

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