Hobbit homes spark ‘garden grabbing’ row
‘HOBBIT’ style homes are set to be built under the lawn of a former Victorian mansion.
The proposal for two underground flats comes from a Sale property developer.
An application has been submitted to Trafford council to build the subterranean two-bed apartments in front of Boothroyd House, Washway Road.
Neighbours, however, have lodged complaints over parking and the environmental impact, with one resident also labelling it ‘garden grabbing.’
The Victorian building, once used as a three-storey home, has recently been renovated into apartments, with part of its land sold to developers for housing. The scheme documents show that the new flats would be positioned side-by-side beneath the communal lawn area.
Each property would have ensuite bedrooms, open-plan kitchen and lounge areas, located more than 6ft underground.
The apartments would have skylights and their roofs covered with grass and landscaping.
However, neighbours have expressed concerns and the council has received eight letters of objection to the scheme.
Elena Dodd, of Boothroyd House, Washway Road, wrote: “The car parking allocation on the plans is wrong. The lawn in front of the main building, where these apartments are proposed to be built, is used by residents as a recreation area.
“In addition, if the plans are approved it would be a classic case of garden grabbing. I’d also question is it a good idea to have skylights at ground level?
“Sadly, I personally think that eco-friendly Hobbit houses are a charming idea, and congratulate the architect, but this is not a suitable location.”
Other residents have expressed concern about lack of parking, damage to nearby trees, and fears the apartments could be sublet.
However, council officers have recommended the application for approval subject to various planning conditions, such as, providing adequate parking and access for residents during construction.
The application, submitted by a Mr B Lloyd, will be discussed by the authorities planning committee on Thursday, June 10.