Agenda item

Part two storey, part single storey rear extension and raising of roof to allow for conversion of roofspace to habitable use to include installation of rooflights to side.

Recommendation: Approval

Part two storey, part single storey rear extension and raising of roof to allow for conversion of roofspace to habitable use to include installation of rooflights to side.

Officers introduced the report and directed Members to note the changes in the addendum circulated at the meeting.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution, a representative of the petitioners and the applicant were invited to address the meeting. The petition representative raised the following points in objection to the proposal:

• Petition had been signed by  residents of Broadwood Avenue
• The proposed development would have the most impact on Nos. 27 and 37
• The scheme would be against policy, as it would result in overdevelopment of the plot, would be out of character and detrimental to the area
•  The proposal would be overdominant, result in overshadowing and overlooking, particularly the patios at Nos. 27 and 37
• The extension would increase the ground floor from 9.9m to 14.1m  which would increase the bulk in the site with particular impact on No.31
• All the rear of the properties were roughly in the same place but the first floor extension of the proposed development would look out of place
• The first floor siting on top of the flat roof would be detrimental to the area and the proposed extension would block the amenity of viewing the oak trees
• The roofline was directly overlooking neighbouring properties and expressed particular concern that the flat roof might be filled in the future.

The applicant raised the following points:

·        Had a young family with three children aged 9, 7 and 5 years

·        The house was old and in need of a great deal of work to make it more eco friendly and to provide good living standards

·        Had sought advice from professionals and the application met all criteria and relevant planning policies

·        Had removed the old conservatory, which was very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer to create a bedroom and raised the loft to create more storage space

·        Did not understand why the proposal had been exaggerated for it to be brought to Committee

·        All the rules have been met and the scheme had kept the 45 degree angle making sure that the proposed first floor was located in the centre to overcome overshadowing concerns

·        Had resolved the issue of light and showed how the oak tree would be protected

·        Both adjoining properties to the proposed development benefited from massive extensions

·        Hoped the Committee would consider the application, which had been recommended for approval, as the family also had a right to good family life.

The Committee noted that the issue regarding the oak trees had been clarified and indicated that any issues in terms of this development could be dealt with by condition with other issues being dealt with by the Tree Officer. Members were satisfied that all objections to the previously refused scheme had been addressed.

A Member expressed concerns about the issue of trees on site and indicated that it would be helpful to go for a site visit.

The recommendation for approval was moved seconded and on being put to the vote was agreed.

Resolved – That the application be approved, subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the officer’s report and the addendum circulated at the meeting.