Agenda item

Two storey extension to rear and proposed garage.

Cllr Green left the meeting at this point and did not vote on this application.

Public Participation

Robert Pearce spoke in objection to the application

Roger Pitts spoke in objection to the application

Mr Sheldon spoke in objection to the application

Miss Hyde spoke in support of the application

Cllr Bret Norris spoke on behalf of Mere Town Council

The Planning Officer introduced the application for a two-storey extension to the rear of the property and proposed garage to the side of the terrace. The application was recommended for APPROVAL with conditions.

The Committee had the opportunity to ask technical questions of the Officer, where it was noted that both of the neighbouring properties either side of the site had single storey extensions. The Duchy had no objection to the changes.

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

The Unitary Division Member Cllr George Jeans noted for transparency, that one of the objectors was on the Mere Town Council, which he was a member of. However, as this did not constitute an interest he took part in the discussion and voted on the application.

He also noted that the houses by character had single storey extensions. The main contention here was that there was a patio at the rear of the neighbouring property, which was used regularly by the residents to enjoy the outside light when they came home from work. He had visited the site and felt that the proposed development was too large and would block the light coming in to the neighbouring properties.

Cllr Jeans moved for REFUSAL against Officers recommendation, this was seconded by Cllr Devine.

The Committee then discussed the application. It was noted that the combination of a 2-storey extension with a wrap around and a vast garage make an unpleasant proposal, and was felt to be out keeping with the four terraced cottages.

It was noted that development to terraced houses was often difficult to find a balance. It was felt that the proposed development would affect 2 neighbours quite heavily, and that there was over development on this site, with the planned garage also being too large. The Character of the terraced houses would need to be retained.

The Committee then voted on the motion of REFUSAL

Resolved:

That application 17/00526/FUL; Duchy Cottages, 2 North Road, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6HG be REFUSED against Officer’s recommendation, for the following reasons:

1.       The property is located within a terrace of dwellings, and the rear garden of the property extends behind No.1 Duchy Cottages. The proposed two storey extension, by reason of its excessive length and height and its siting within close proximity to No. 1 Duchy Cottages, and the side boundary of no3 Duchy Cottages, would introduce a large and oppressive built form that would unduly affect the amenities of the adjoining neighbouring properties by its dominating effect, and by the likely overshadowing of the rear windows of No. 1 Duchy cottages, and the patio area to the immediate rear of No. 3 Duchy Cottages.

The proposed development is therefore considered contrary to the aims and objectives of CP57 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.    The proposal site in relation to the garage directly abuts the side garden area serving No. 1 Duchy Cottages, and the site itself is readily visible in the surrounding street scene, being positioned closer to the road than the existing dwellings. The proposed garage, by reason of its excessive scale and mass and siting would have a detrimental impact on the character and setting of the street scene, and would have an overbearing impact on the amenities of neighbouring property No1 Duchy Cottages.

The proposed development is therefore considered contrary to the aims and objectives of CP57 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the aims and objectives of the National Planning Policy Framework.