Agenda item

The Planning Officer introduced the report which recommended that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. The application was for the erection of a three storey side extension located within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Box conservation area. It was highlighted that, due to the gradient of the land, the extension would appear as a two storey extension from streetview. It was confirmed that the access to the property remained the same, parking was provided, and Highways had no objections. The Case Officer and Highways advised that a decking area now existed to the rear of the property and this would have to be removed in order to meet parking requirements; a condition to this effect was attached to the officer recommendation.

The application was considered to be of high quality and appropriate to the location. The Planning Officer explained that there were some concerns from residents and Box Parish Council about privacy, mass, bulk and scale but considered the proposals to be sufficiently set back to avoid overlooking or an overbearing impact.

The Committee then had the opportunity to ask technical questions and it was confirmed that, should the Committee be mindful to grant planning permission, it was possible to insert a condition that would tie the proposed extension to the host dwelling.

The local member, Cllr Sheila Parker, highlighted that local opposition mainly related to the size of the proposed extension and the car parking provision. Concern was expressed that there would be insufficient space for vehicles to attend the site during construction and that this would negatively affect local residents. The local member urged the Committee to consider the impact of the proposal on local residents and, if necessary, to add an informative about considerate construction.

In the debate that followed, it was proposed and seconded to add a condition requiring the extension to remain ancillary to the host dwelling. The Committee noted the importance of minimising the impact of building works on the local community and agreed to add an informative to the applicant to encourage liaison with Box Parish Council.

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.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

Existing Plans & Elevations Drg.VL.2015/04/02 (received 27 April 2015), Location &

Block Plan Drg.VL.2015/04/01 rev.A and Proposed Plans & Elevations

Drg.VL.2015/04/03 rev.A (both received 5 June 2015)

REASON: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

3.    The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match in material, colour and texture those used in the existing building.

REASON: In the interests of visual amenity and the character and appearance of the area.

4.    No part of the development hereby approved shall be first brought into use until the parking area shown on the approved plans (drawing VL 2015/04/01 rev.A) has been consolidated, surfaced and laid out in accordance with the approved details. This area shall be maintained and remain available for this use at all times thereafter. To provide 2 spaces in accordance with Wiltshire parking standards of 3 spaces for a 4+ bedroom house.

REASON: To ensure that adequate provision is made for parking within the site in the interests of highway safety.

5.    The extension hereby permitted shall not be occupied at any time other than for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the main dwelling, known as 5 Mead Villas, High Street, Box and it shall remain within the same planning unit as the main dwelling.

REASON: The additional accommodation is sited in a position where the Local Planning Authority, having regard to the reasonable standards of residential amenity, access, and planning policies pertaining to the area, would not permit a wholly separate dwelling.

INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT: Any alterations to the approved plans, brought about by compliance with Building Regulations or any other reason must first be agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority before commencement of work.

INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT: The applicant is requested to note that this permission does not affect any private property rights and therefore does not authorise the carrying out of any work on land outside their control. If such works are required it will be necessary for the applicant to obtain the landowners consent before such works commence. If you intend carrying out works in the vicinity of the site boundary, you are also advised that it may be expedient to seek your own advice with regard to the requirements of the Party Wall Act 1996.

INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT: Please note that Council offices do not have the facility to receive material samples. Please deliver material samples to site and inform the Planning Officer where they are to be found.

INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT: It is recommended that the applicant/developer considers and utilises the guidance within the UK Construction Group's 'The Good Neighbour Site Guide' available online.

INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT: The applicant is requested to note that this permission does not affect any private property rights and therefore does not authorise the parking of vehicles on land outside their control and under private ownership. Prior to the commencement of development the applicant is requested to contact the Parish Council to discuss parking arrangements for the contractors working on site.