Minutes:
The application before Members sought planning permission for the conversion of a bungalow to a two-storey house including a loft conversion and the demolition of an existing conservatory.
Members noted that the application had been called-in by Councillors Dilip Patel and Jason Frost on the following grounds:
· That a six-bedroom house was considered to be unsuitable for Hamlet Road as the rest of the dwellings were three/four bedrooms and bungalows.
· That the potential parking demand for roughly four to five cars was considered to be a big issue for the road as it was very narrow and residents had complained about parking on that corner of the Hamlet Road.
· There were already two cottages that were being built at the rear of the property.
· A number of residents had already complained to Councillor Patel and Councillor Frost regarding the size of the building.
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 both Hamlet Road and Hamlet Close were only wide enough for parking on one side of the road and that the proposed development could potentially increase vehicle numbers using and parking in the roads. The objector concluded by commenting that the roads were not built for properties of this size.
In response the applicant’s agent commented that officers had approved the plans and there was a possibility that not all the bedrooms in the property would be used. The agent concluded by commenting that the proposal would not result in a loss of amenity for any neighbouring properties.
With its agreement Councillors Dilip Patel and Linda Trew addressed the Committee.
Councillor Patel commented that the two applications for Hamlet Road had perhaps been heard in the wrong order as by granting planning permission for P1744.15 this had set a precedent making it difficult for the Committee to refuse the granting of planning permission.
Councillor Trew commented that she agreed with Councillor Patel’s comments regarding the order the applications were considered. Councillor Trew also commented that the proposal was an overdevelopment of the site and that she had concerns that the property would become an HMO.
During the debate Members discussed the effect the proposal would have on neighbouring properties and the planning history of the application site.
It was RESOLVED to delegate to the Head of Regulatory Services to clarify whether the applicant was willing to provide 4 parking spaces within the site curtilage and if so to grant planning permission subject to confirmation of this via a planning condition and also a condition that notwithstanding the provisions of the General Permitted Development Order the building should be used solely as a single family dwelling and not for any other purpose including as a house in multiple occupation.
The vote for the resolution to delegate the granting of planning permission to the Head of Regulatory Services was carried by 4 to 2 with 5 abstentions
Councillors Misir, Best, Kelly and Nunn voted for the resolution to delegate the granting of planning permission.
Councillors Wallace and White voted against the resolution to delegate the granting of planning permission.
Councillors Donald, Hawthorn, Whitney, Martin and Williamson abstained from voting.