Agenda item

Two storey, 5-bed, detached dwelling with habitable roofspace involving demolition of existing dwelling.

Recommendation - Refusal

Two storey, 5-bed, detached dwelling with habitable roofspace involving demolition of existing dwelling.

Officers introduced the report and referred members to the addendum sheet that had been circulated.

The application related to No. 2 Linksway, which was a residential property on a corner plot within the Copse Wood Estate Area of Special Local Character.  The application proposed the demolition of the existing property and the erection of a new two-storey detached dwelling with habitable roofspace.

Members noted that the most relevant planning history with respect to the site was a recent appeal decision. The appeal inspector concluded that the proposal would fundamentally change the mass of the site, having an unduly dominant effect which would result in harm to the character of the area and have an overbearing impact on the occupiers of No. 3 Copse Wood Way.

The current scheme had been altered from the appeal proposal which included, but were not limited to; alterations to the angle of the south west wing, and the reduction in height of some two storey elements to single storey elements.

Members noted that the appeal decision dated 22nd July 2014 was made under the current development plan; accordingly it was a significant material planning consideration.  Officers explained that the two main issues arising from the appeal decision were the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area and the impact on the adjoining occupier at No.3 Copse Wood Way.

In relation to the first two issues it was acknowledged that some effort had been made to alter the design and that some two storey elements have been removed, however, overall the bulk of the development within the site and in relation to the neighbouring property at No.3 are very similar to the appeal scheme. 

The Council’s Trees and Landscape Officer was satisfied that the development was capable of being constructed without unacceptable impacts on trees subject to the implementation of tree protection measures.

In accordance with the Council's constitution a representative of the petitioners supporting the proposals addressed the meeting.

The petitioner supporting the proposals made the following points:

·         Had been working with the Planning Team for the past 18 months.

·         Approval was recommended in March 2014.

·         Previous application would of had delegated approval had there been no petition.

·         The footprint of the new proposals had reduced in size.

·         The proposal sat on the same access and position as the existing property.

·         Trees had been retained.

·         Could not refuse on the loss of views.

·         Drawings submitted 3 months ago had not been included.

·         Did not understand the reason for refusal.

·         Had written to BBC, Eric Pickles and the Prime Minister.

·         94 year old relative was waiting to live with the family in the proposed adapted property.

·         The proposals were 20% smaller than the previous application.

The Head of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces informed Members that the appeal decision given by the Planning Inspectorate was a significant material consideration.  The property was located on a corner site.  Loss of outlook was also a material consideration.

Members questioned the difference between outlook and view.   Officers explained that outlook was the amount you could see and the impact it had on you. 

Members discussed the previous application which was 20% larger than the application before Committee.  It was thought that the reduction in size of the application was a material consideration.  Members were in favour of deferring the application for a site visit.

It was moved, seconded and agreed that the application be deferred for a site visit and for further details to be provided.

Resolved- That the application be deferred for a site visit and for further details to be provided.