Agenda item

A report by the Case Officer is attached.

The following person spoke in support of the application

Mr Richard Cosker, the agent

The Committee received a presentation from the Area Development Manager which set out the main issues in respect of the application, with a recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Members had the opportunity to ask technical questions after which the Committee received a statement from Mr Richard Cosker as listed above, expressing his views regarding the planning application.

Members then heard the views of Cllr Mark Connolly, as local Member, who read a statement received from a neighbour and objected to the proposal on account of:

·         The visual impact upon the surrounding area

·         The relationship to adjoining properties

·         The design – bulk, height and general appearance

·         The property would be two storey when all properties in Chestnut Avenue and Hawthorn Road were bungalows.  The property would look over 2 Hawthorn Road whereas if it were a bungalow there would be no issue. 

·         The footpath from Kennet Road to the bottom of Hawthorn Road should be joined.

During discussion, some Members who had visited the site considered that the design fitted into the surrounding area and could be screened from the neighbour.  They noted that there existed a substantial hedge to help screen the building and also a certain amount of green space retained.

Resolved:

To grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions:-

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

REASON:  To comply with the provisions of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 as amended by the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2. No development shall take place until samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building hereby permitted have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

REASON: To secure a harmonious form of development.

3. No development shall commence on site until a scheme of hard and soft landscaping has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the details of which shall include:-

• Full details of any trees and landscaping to be retained, together with measures for their protection in the course of development;

• A detailed planting specification showing all plant species, supply and planting sizes and planting densities;

• Finished levels and contours;

• Means of enclosure;

REASON: The matter is required to be agreed with the Local Planning Authority before development commences in order that the development is undertaken in an acceptable manner, to ensure a satisfactory landscaped setting for the development and the protection of existing important landscape features.

4. All soft landscaping comprised in the approved details of landscaping shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding season following the first occupation of the building; All shrubs, trees and hedge planting shall be maintained free from weeds and shall be protected from damage by vermin and stock. Any trees or plants which, within a period of five years, die, are removed, or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of a similar size and species, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

All hard landscaping, including the erection of the boundary fence, shall also be carried out in accordance with the approved details prior to the occupation of any part of the development.

REASON: To ensure the provision of adequate landscaping, to assimilate the development into its local context, and to protect the amenity of the nearby dwelling.

5. No part of the development hereby approved shall be occupied until a scheme for a safe pedestrian pavement route between Hawthorn Road and Kennet Road has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The pavement shall be provided in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of the dwelling.

REASON: To secure the provision of safe pedestrian access.

6. The development hereby permitted shall not be first occupied until the parking spaces hereby approved have been consolidated and surfaced (not loose stone or gravel) and sustainable drainage has been installed to prevent surface-water runoff onto the highway. The parking spaces shall be kept free of obstruction at all times thereafter.

REASON: In the interests of highway safety.

7. The development shall be constructed in accordance with the submitted drawings:

    Location Plan 1537 Plan 1;P1 1537; P2 1537; BDS 10-03-15.

REASON: For the avoidance of doubt.

INFORMATIVE:

Many wildlife species are legally protected. The applicant should be aware that if it becomes apparent that the site is being used or has previously been used by protected species (such as slowworms, badgers, barn owls or bats), work should STOP immediately and Natural England should be contacted at their Devizes office 01380 725344 for advice on how to proceed.

INFORMATIVE:

The applicant is advised that the development hereby approved may represent chargeable development under the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and Wiltshire Council’s CIL Charging Schedule. A separate Community Infrastructure Levy Liability Notice will be issued by the Local Planning Authority. Should you require further information with regards to CIL please refer to the Council's Website

www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planninganddevelopment/planningpolicy/communityinfrastructurelevy