Issue - meetings

Erection of a two storey, 2-bed attached dwelling with associated cycle storage and amenity space.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the item be deferred to allow a site visit to take place.

Erection of a two storey, 2-bed attached dwelling with associated cycle storage and amenity space

Officers introduced the application and highlighted the additional information in the addendum.

A petition in objection to the application had been received. The lead petitioner had submitted a written representation which was read out for the attention of the Committee Members. Key points highlighted included:

• The report provided information that differed from the experiences of local residents.
• The current property had been extended significantly, increasing its capacity beyond the stated four bedrooms.
• The proposed new two-bedroom house would create overdevelopment and dominate the views of neighbouring homes.
• The new house had the potential to be converted into a four-bedroom property, leading to a large HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) with up to 20 persons.
• The description of the family home in the report was considered misleading as the current house accommodated many people.
• A large HMO would have serious consequences for residents, including parking issues, noise, litter, and disruption.
• The assessments made by officers in the report were based on an underestimate of the current and proposed building capacities.
• The Committee was requested to refuse the application or conduct a full site visit.

The agent for the application had also submitted a written statement which was read out for the consideration of the voting Members. Key points highlighted included:

• The importance of maintaining the integrity and character of the area was highlighted.?
• It was alleged that No.13 was not, and would not be, used as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) but as a C3 dwellinghouse by a single family. ?
• Evidence, including a Shorthold Assured Tenancy Agreement, photographs, and a visit by Enforcement Officers on 11th February 2025, confirmed that the property remained a C3 dwellinghouse. ?
• The applicant's brother planned to move into No.13, while the applicant and his family would occupy the new dwelling. ?
• No. 13's location at the end of a cul-de-sac allowed the new dwelling to be a discrete addition, maintaining visual harmony. ?
• The new dwelling's scale, design, materials, and detailing had been chosen to complement the surrounding architecture. ?
• The design aimed to enhance the area's character and integrate seamlessly with the surroundings. ?
• Paddington Planning requested that the application be approved, emphasising the development's positive contribution to the neighbourhood. ?

Ward Councillor Jan Sweeting was in attendance and addressed Members in support of petitioners. Key points raised included:

• The report claimed that the proposed attached 2-bedroom property would be relatively modest, with sufficient roadside capacity to accommodate vehicles from the existing property.
• It stated that the proposal would not result in a reduction in residential amenity, a significant increase in activity or people movement, and the existing property was a family 4-bed home rented to a single family.
• However, a visit by the Council's enforcement team had found significant discrepancies, revealing that the property was being used as a third generous HMO with the potential of having 8, not 4, bedrooms.
• The proposed new 2-bedroom property could easily move into a four-bedroom property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19