Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing outbuilding and demolition of part single storey addition to existing house. Construction of new single accessible dwelling.

Recommendation: Refusal

RESOLVED: That the application be refused.

Officers introduced the application and delivered a detailed presentation summarising the application. It was highlighted that the application was recommended for refusal and the reasons for refusal were outlined.

A petition had been received objecting to the application, one of the lead petitioners was present and addressed the Committee. Key points raised during their address included:

·         Petitioners thanked officers for their assessment of the application and the recommendation for refusal.

·         The proposals were contrary to Council policy in being a back garden development.

·         The proposed scale, design and materials would be out of character with the existing developments of Rofant Road and Ashbourne Square, and the proposed building would fundamentally alter the nature of the area, which was town houses.

·         The proposals would interfere with some valuable trees which were under a tree protection order.

·         Petitioners had concerns over the provision of dropped kerb access from the site onto Ashbourne Square.

·         The subterranean nature of the development raised concerns regarding whether excavation of the site could aggravate damage to the road surface.

A written statement had been received from the agent on behalf of the applicant, which was read out for the Committee. Key points raised in the statement included:

·         The applicant had been attempting to have proposals approved for two years and a pre-application had been very favourable.

·         Following the first application, the concerns of the Planning Authority were adhered to and it was highlighted that the National Planning Policy Framework noted that sustainable development had three components: social, economic and environmental.

·         The Committee were encouraged to conduct a site visit to see how the proposals would impact only impact number four Rofant Road, which was owned by the applicant.

Members commented on the application noting that the standard of living did not seem adequate within the proposed dwelling, the bulk, height and depth of the dwelling was also of great concern. The officer’s recommendation for refusal was moved, seconded, and when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be refused.