Agenda item

Installation of timber staircase for access (Retrospective).

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED:  That the application be deferred.

Installation of timber staircase for access (Retrospective)

Officers introduced the report, and confirmed that the application was seeking retrospective permission for a timber staircase erected at the side of the applicant's property.

The staircase had been erected to allow the applicant to access their garden via a public alleyway, situated at the rear of the property. The alleyway was public right of way, not an adopted public highway. A gate installed on the public right of way had been installed under permitted development, and had not required planning permission. However, the remainder of the staircase did require permission. It was confirmed that the applicant could install steps directly into the embankment under permitted development, should they wish.

The staircase was located immediately adjacent to the recently constructed rear extension, and was relatively minor in relation to the scale of the original dwelling. As such, it was not felt to fundamentally reduce the openness of the Green Belt in this location.

Concerns had been raised regarding the visual impact of the staircase, however Northwood was set on a hillside with properties situated on various levels. It was deemed that appropriate staining of the staircase, allied to landscaping to shield the visual impact of the staircase via the erection of bushes and plants, would address those concerns. With this in mind, the addendum was highlighted which sought to amend condition 2 to mandate that the applicant must complete the staining and landscaping within 3 months of the proposed revisions being approved by the Council. The officer concluded by recommending that the application be approved.

A petitioner addressed the Committee in opposition to the application. Points raised by the petitioner included:

·         The staircase did not fit into the ambience, or the character of the area.

·         The staircase detracted from the visual amenity of the area.

·         The staircase would exacerbate residents' existing concerns over security within the area, as it joined onto a public alleyway, which could allow thieves easier access to residences within the estate.

·         There were concerns that the staircase would not be properly maintained in the future.

Members sought clarity from the petitioner regarding how many properties the alleyway provided access to. It was confirmed that the alleyway provided access to house number 4 on the estate.

Members discussed the application, and were concerned that the staircase was not visually congruent with the existing character of the estate. In addition, Members raised the possibility that the materials used in the construction of the staircase were not appropriate to ensure that the staircase would not fall into disrepair in the future.

Members requested further information from officers regarding the purpose of the staircase. Officers confirmed that the applicant had erected the staircase to provide access to their garden, which had been blocked following the extension to their property. It was confirmed that the applicant was not required to include garden access when constructing the extension.

It was moved that the application be deferred to allow officers to negotiate with the applicant regarding the potential removal of the balustrades, changes to soft landscaping, the colour of the staircase, and the materials used in its construction. This was seconded, and when put to a vote, passed by a vote of 6 to 1.

RESOLVED:  That the application be deferred.