Decision details

The proposal before Members was for a third floor extension to create one two-bedroom flat with private amenity space on the roof of the converted telephone exchange, together with the extension and alteration of the existing stairwell and externals areas including two new car parking spaces. The flat would be accessed from the existing internal staircase, whilst amenity space for the flat consisted of a terrace that was fenced off.

Members noted that the application had been called in to committee by Councillor Steven Kelly to discuss the height changes so prevalent on council owned property and seemingly not on private schemes.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

The objector commented that the proposal would be out of keeping within the streetscene and would harm the character of the building. The objector also commented that residents using the additional parking spaces would have to reverse out onto a main road. The objector concluded by commenting that existing resident’s amenity would be greatly affected during the construction period.

The applicant’s agent responded by commenting that careful consideration had been given to the proposal which had allowed for the proposal to be set back from the front of the existing building. The agent concluded that the proposal complied with the local development plan and would not be detrimental on the area.

During a brief debate Members discussed the impact the proposal would have on the area and clarified the reasons as to why officers had recommended the proposal for refusal.

The report recommended that planning permission be refused however following a motion to approve the granting of planning permission it was RESOLVED that it be delegated to Assistant Director of Regulatory Services to grant planning permission contrary to recommendation and subject to prior completion of a legal agreement to secure an education places contribution plus the imposition of planning conditions.

The vote for the resolution to delegate the granting of planning permission was carried by 10 votes to 1.

Councillor White voted against the resolution to delegate the approval of planning permission.