Agenda item

Demolition of the existing dwellinghouse and erection of a two-storey building to consist of three two-bedroom flats and three one-bedroom flats with associated amenity space and parking.

Recommendation: Approval

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject to delegated authority.

Demolition of the existing dwellinghouse and erection of a two-storey building to consist of four two-bedroom flats and two one-bedroom flats with associated amenity space and parking.

Officers introduced the application and noted the addendum, which included an amended condition.

A petition was received in objection to the application, and the petitioners stated that there were five issues with the application. The Committee heard that the proposed development did not have sufficient parking which would exacerbate parking concerns in the area and that the any permission required strict conditions on waste management to prevent waste being left on the kerbside. The petitioners requested a condition to require screening be maintained at all times, with appropriate re-planting, to maintain privacy for the development and properties on Manor House Drive, and that the any damage to the area caused by the development be restored by the developer at its conclusion. Finally, the petitioners stated that the development was too big for the site and out of keeping with surrounding houses, and would have an intrusive and adverse effect on neighbouring properties and their privacy and amenity.

The agent submitted a written representation that stated there were no technical issues in the application that could not be addressed through planning conditions, and the building is in keeping with the character of the area and of a scale consistent with the surrounding properties. The Committee heard that the bulk of the roof was reduced from what was considered unacceptable previously, and that the proposal would not create additional overlooking above that of the existing dwelling on site.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration noted that the cycle and bin storage should be separately conditioned to screening, and sought delegated authority to confirm final noise conditions for appropriate internal insulation. The Committee noted that a noise condition was no longer required, as the application was required to meet the most relevant British standards.

Members thanked officers for the comprehensive report, but sought clarification over whether the proposed balconies would overlook the gardens of ground floor flats below. The Committee suggested that screening be used to prevent overlooking concerns and delegated authority be given to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to discuss this with the applicant. Responding to Councillors’ questioning, officers commented that the roof elevation was 0.6m lower than in previous plans.

The Committee moved the officer’s recommendation, subject to delegated authority to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to amend the noise condition, separate the conditions regarding cycle and bin storage and landscaping, and agree appropriate screening for the balconies to prevent overlooking. This proposal was then seconded, and upon being put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved, subject the delegated authority to the Head of Planning and Regeneration to:

1.     Amend Condition 7 to ensure it meets relevant British standards and has relevant internal insulation;

2.     Amend Condition 5 to remove cycle and bin storage from the landscaping condition; and,

3.     Add conditions regarding cycle and bin storage and screening.