Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing outbuilding and partial demolition of the ground floor of nos. 34 and 38. Erection of an outbuilding for use as a workshop. Installation of an external staircase to retained upper floor residential units. Amalgamation of ground floors of nos. 38 and 36 to form a combined retail unit including a new shopfront.

Recommendation: Refusal

RESOLVED: That the application be refused.

Demolition of existing outbuilding and partial demolition of the ground floor of nos. 34 and 38. Erection of an outbuilding for use as a workshop. Installation of an external staircase to retained upper floor residential units. Amalgamation of ground floors of nos. 38 and 36 to form a combined retail unit including a new shopfront.

Officers introduced the application which was recommended for refusal on the grounds that it would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and would adversely affect the visual amenity of the street scene.

A petition had been received in objection to the application and a representative of Northwood Residents’ Association was in attendance to address the Committee on behalf of petitioners. Key points highlighted included:

·       The proposal would not enhance the retail offering in Green Lane;

·       The proposed workshop would disrupt the cohesion of the current parade of shops;

·       The development would not be sympathetic to the local character of the Conservation Area;

·       Nos. 34-38 had constituted the first parade of shops on Green Lane and dated back more than a century;

·       The proposed development would cause harm to the vitablity and viability of the town centre and would lead to the loss of 3 established businesses;

·       The proposed 40% reduction in the size of the unit would reduce the flexibility of the space and diversity of use;

·       The development could set a precedent – the cumulative impact of potential future applications had to be taken into consideration.

Members supported the officers’ recommendation for refusal noting that the proposal would result in harm to the character of the area. A second reason for refusal in relation to the shop front was suggested but it was confirmed that this was already incorporated within reason for refusal one.

Members suggested an additional reason for refusal in respect of sustainable waste management highlighting the possible need to separate residential waste from commercial waste. It was confirmed that, in the event of an approval, this matter could be addressed by way of conditions.

The Committee sought clarification regarding access for emergency vehicles. It was confirmed that the fire brigade had not been consulted on the application but there was sufficient room for a fire engine to pass.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be refused.