Arca’s home extension plans given the red card
FORMER BLACK CATS FAVOURITE APPLIED FOR TWO-STORY ADDITION TO HOUSE
Sunderland football legend Julio Arca has been shown a red card over plans to enlarge his home.
The former Black Cat had applied for permission to add a two-storey extension and build over his garage at his Washington property.
But last week councillors voted to kick the scheme out after neighbours cried foul.
The main objection came from a property directly behind the Argentine, which claimed the proposal would block sunlight.
Mr Arca, who also played forMiddlesbroughandSouth Shields, had amended the proposals slightly to try and address this, but the changes wereconsideredinsufficient.
A letter to Sunderland City Council from Kevin Hinde, who said he was the son of the owner, said: “At the time, the proposal was for a more extensive development than proposed, but the new application does not stop the building of an extension that will further preclude light from entering mam’s property.”
I understand that Mr Arca wishes to improve his home, however, this cannot be to the detriment to us [sic].
“The proposed extension would further reduce light and the outlook from our property at the rear, and I strongly object to this proposal being passed, without compromise being made by removal of several mature trees and substantial pruning of several others.”
A report by council officers agreed with the assessment, conceding there is a “very-limited degree of sky light” at the property.
This is partly caused by several protected trees on the site, which planning bosses also said Mr Arca had not been able to prove would be unaffected by building work.
Speaking after the decision, Mr Arca said: “I’m disappointed with the application that didn’t go in my favour, but hopefully we will look forward to going on and try and turn it around.”
Mr Arca added he will discuss the outcome with his architect.