Agenda item

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two storey detached building with habitable roof space to provide 8 x 2-bed flats with associated amenity space and parking and installation of vehicular crossover

Recommendation : Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved as per officer’s recommendation.

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two storey detached building with habitable roof space to provide 8 x 2-bed flats with associated amenity space and parking and installation of vehicular crossover.

Officers introduced the application, highlighted the addendum and made a recommendation for approval.

A petitioner in objection of the application addressed the Committee and referred to documents that had been circulated to Members and the applicant/agent prior to the meeting. The Committee was thanked for its support since this process had begun in 2017, however disappointment was expressed at the officer’s recommendation for approval. Objections were made on the three grounds namely that the development would cause a lack of amenity, loss of privacy and overdevelopment. It was submitted that there had been no changes made to the plans for parking, refuse or bike storage since the last application. It was emphasised that there was a high fear of pest issues due to the insufficient refuse arrangements. Overlooking was also a concern as the development would cause a loss of privacy and the additional side windows were questioned. It was submitted that the last minute changes greatly impacted neighbouring properties. The petitioners urged the Committee to support their objections and asked for assurance on what measures would be put into place to manage the issues raised.  

The architect for the application addressed the Committee and referred to amended plans which had been circulated to Members, officers and the petition organiser prior to the meeting. The application had been recommended for approval by officers and it was highlighted that the proposed changes were fairly minimal. The amenity space and scheme was considered acceptable that met the Council’s current standards. It was explained that the neighbouring properties had an opportunity of consultations and notice of the development was provided in sufficient time allowing people to respond.  The Committee was informed that an objection that was raised was acknowledged and rectified quickly by the architect and applicant. It was submitted that the scheme was virtually identical to the original scheme and would be a good addition to the housing stock. The Committee was asked to judge the current scheme on its own merits not on any future schemes.  

Members were advised by the Head of Planning that the level of change was unsubstantial and possible reasons for refusal were limited. The overlooking concerns were explained by officers and it was noted that the impact on different neighbours would be different. The proposed development included an eight flat scheme resulting in two obscured glazed roof lights that would be controlled by conditions.

Concerns were raised regarding the bins being backed onto a neighbouring fence and the bike sheds.  It was highlighted that the condition five stated that no development should take place until a landscape scheme including refuse storage was submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority. It was noted that the bike shed was in the same location as it had been previously approved.

The officer’s recommendation was moved, seconded and, when put to a vote, agreed with seven Members voting in favour and one abstention.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to the changes and clarifications in the addendum.