Agenda item

Rebuilding of existing barn with internal and external alterations to create two three-bedroom dwellings with associated parking and landscaping

Recommendation: Approval

Rebuilding of existing barn with internal and external alterations to create two three-bedroom dwellings with associated parking and landscaping

RESOLVED: 

1.    That the application be approved; and

2.    That the Head of Planning be delegated authority to agree an additional informative relating to the community infrastructure levy.

Rebuilding of existing barn with internal and external alterations to create two three-bedroom dwellings with associated parking and landscaping

Officers introduced the report, confirming that the application had been considered at the Central & South Planning Committee meeting held on 21 March 2016, where it had been deferred so that the legal position relating to a Listed Building Consent (ref. 5971/APP/2013/1839), that was linked to an expired application, could be clarified.

The associated Listed Building Consent, ref. 5971/App/2013/1839, for the reconstruction of the Grade II Listed Lesser Barn was approved by the Committee in November 2014, subject to a Section 106 agreement, which had not yet been completed. As such, the Listed Building Consent had not been formally granted.

The description of the associated Listed Building Consent, ref. 5971/App/2013/1839, had since been amended to refer to this current application, removing reference to the expired 2012 approved application. The two linked applications were therefore now brought to the Committee for authorisation.

The proposal was to reinstate the original barn as it was prior to its collapse. To this end, much of the original timbers had been saved for re-use. The dwellings and parking provision complied with all required standards, and the impact on adjoining properties was considered acceptable. It was confirmed that the application had not materially changed in comparison to the scheme approved in 2014. The application was therefore recommended for approval.

The addendum was highlighted, which confirmed that a petition of 28 signatures had been received in support of the application.

The Head of Planning requested that delegated authority be granted to add a standard informative relating to the community infrastructure levy, should the Committee be minded to approve the application.

The petitioner, (also the agent acting on behalf of the applicant), addressed the Committee, confirming that the site had been the subject of several approvals and approval recommendations over a number of years. It was regrettable that previous owners of the site had failed to perform, resulting in the barn subsequently collapsing. The new owner, having now acquired the site, had the funding in place to ensure the repair and restoration of the remaining timbers and to implement the development.

Following conversations with Hillingdon officers, the applicant had instructed specialist contractors to take steps to protect the timbers from further deterioration, and the draft Section 106 had now been agreed by both parties, awaiting final sign-off. However, due to the length of time the applications had been awaiting determination, the applicant was in danger of losing the funding required, and as such, the applications had been brought to the Committee as urgent items. The petitioner concluded by urging the Committee to approve the application, in line with previous determinations.

The Chairman confirmed that, as Ward Councillor for Yiewsley, he welcomed the proposal, and felt that it was an attractive development that would retain local heritage.

Members were supportive of the proposal, noting that it mirrored previously approved applications, and with this in mind the officer's recommendation was moved. This was seconded and, when put to a vote, unanimously agreed,

RESOLVED: 

1.    That the application be approved; and

2.      That the Head of Planning be delegated authority to agree an additional informative relating to the community infrastructure levy.