Minutes:
The application before Members sought planning permission for demolition of the existing detached bungalow and garage/store and the erection of a new detached house with integral garage plus the erection of a new front wall and gates.
Members noted that the application had been called in by Councillor Ron Ower on the grounds of the size of the proposed dwelling and by Councillor Roger Ramsey on the grounds of the impact on the adjoining property.
In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by a representative of the objector with a response from the applicant.
The representative advised that he was speaking on behalf of the owners of the adjacent property to the application site. The representative commented that application site was a triangular plot and that previous applicationsthough different to the current proposal to develop on the site had been refused following appeals to the Planning Inspectorate. The representative considered that the planning inspectorates decision to refuse previous applications material. The representative also commented that the current application was for a much bigger two storey property which would have an overbearing effect, lead to a loss of light and create a sense of enclosure for the neighbouring property.
In reply the applicant commented that the application had met with all the planning policies and that no overlooking would arise from the proposed development. The applicant also commented that the application site was surrounded by seven two storey properties and that the design had been sympathetic to neighbouring properties. The applicant also confirmed that letters of support for the development had been received from over thirty neighbouring properties.
With its agreement Councillors John Glanville and Roger Ramsey addressed the Committee.
Councillor Glanville commented that the applicants had been suffering with problems of damp, mould and Asbestos in the current dwelling. Councillor Glanville commented that the key factor in the application was the wedge shaped plot. Officers had mentioned planning policy DC61 in their support of the scheme however DC61 also stated that developments must respect the surrounding physical context. Councillor Glanville also commented on the Planning Inspectorates previous comments that the mass of the proposed development would result in a unpleasantly overbearing effect on the neighbouring property. Councillor Glanville considered that the massing of the development may conflict with Policy DC61 and considered that it was a judgement call for Members to make.
Councillor Ramsey commented that the proposal was a judgement call and needed careful consideration from the Committee. Councillor Ramsey also commented on the triangular nature of the plot and considered that the height and bulk of the proposed development would have an impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property.
During the debate Members received clarification of the distance of the current dwellings and the proposed dwellings from neighbouring property.
Members also discussed the size of the plot and whether the development would impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property.
Members also received clarification on the aspect of the proposed development which confirmed that there would be no overlooking onto the neighbouring property. Officers confirmed the fenestration arrangements for the development would include obscured glass to the only window facing the neighbouring property.
Following a motion to refuse the granting of planning permission which was lost by 3 votes to 7 with 1 abstention it was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as set out in the report.
The vote for the resolution to grant permission was carried by 7 votes to 3 with 1 abstention.
Councillors Misir, Best, Crowder, Kelly, Wallace, Hawthorn and Ower voted for the resolution to grant planning permission.
Councillors Nunn, Whitney and Martin voted against the resolution to grant planning permission.
Councillor Williamson abstained from voting.