Agenda item

Proposed single storey side & rear extensions (amendment to 15/07754/FUL)

Public Participation

Ms Heather Smith spoke in objection to the application.

Cllr John Berry of Shrewton Parish Council spoke in objection to the application.

The Planning Officer drew attention to the late correspondence circulated at the meeting, detailing amendments to the garage roof, side and front elevations which were not in accordance with the plans. She then introduced the application for the newly submitted plans, explaining that Planning permission had been granted in 2015 for a single-storey side extension and a single-storey rear extension. The current application was inside the same footprint, but sought retrospective approval for amendments to the scheme. The amendments  included changes to the side and roof windows, materials, roof design, flue and patio doors.

Members of the Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the Officers. It was noted that the side windows had increased from 2 obscure fixed closed to 3 obscure opening windows. There was no safety reason why the side windows could not be fixed closed, as not required for ventilation.

A flue had been added and a parapet wall all the way around, resulting in a slight raise to the elevation. The side of the extension was now cladded instead of plain brick, however if the cladding was removed then the other changes would be permissible under permitted development rights. It was noted that the application had not been to Committee the first time. The new build was 30cm away from the neighbouring boundary.

Members of the public then had the opportunity to present their views to the Committee, as detailed above.

The Unitary Division Member Cllr Ian West then addressed the Committee stating that he had visited the site and felt the closeness to neighbouring properties and the impact upon residents as a result was unacceptable.

Although there were a lot of parts of the development which had not been carried out to plan, he felt that the three opening windows along the side were a step too far. He proposed that the developer be required to revert back to the original 2 fixed shut windows.

The Committee discussed the application, noting that it was sorry that this application had not come before them originally. It asked that Building Control be urged to visit the site to ensure that the wood burner and flue had been installed in compliance with regulations, ensuring that the fumes did not go into the neighbouring property.

A general feeling of empathy for the neighbour was felt and in support of that it was proposed that the three opening side windows should be fixed shut opaque windows.

Cllr Ian West moved the Officers recommendation with an amendment as detailed above for Approval subject to conditions; this was seconded by Cllr Chris Devine.

Resolved

That the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

3      The windows in the East  elevation of the side extension shall be glazed with obscure glass only to an obscurity level of no less than level 4 and permanently fixed shut within 2 months of the date of this planning permission and shall be permanently maintained in perpetuity.

REASON:  In the interests of residential amenity and privacy.