Agenda item

Tony Jones, Tom Pepperell and Vernon Montgomery spoke in objection to the application.

Edward Tucker spoke in favour of the application.

The Team Leader introduced the application which was for alterations to a property including: raising of roof height to accommodate a new first floor, single storey rear extension and front roof extension and conversion of a garage into utility and kitchen extension. It was recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions outlined in the report. Photos of the streetscene and proposed elevation of the application were shown. Members were advised that the area was of mixed character with both single and two storey properties, officers considered there would not be significant loss in residential amenity or harm to the character and appearance of the area, or the property itself, as a result of the development.

There were no technical question.

Members of the public then addressed the Committee as detailed above.

The local member, Cllr Mollie Groom, spoke in objection to the application on the grounds of loss of neighbouring amenity.

In response to comments from the public forum, the Team Leader confirmed that planning permissions did not set a precedent and there was no record of a similar application on this site.

In the debate that followed, members discussed the merits of a site visit and it was considered that the bungalow in question was close to neighbouring properties. The Committee considered the benefits of retaining the dwelling as a bungalow, noted the mixed character of properties in the locality and considered the implications of a results at appeal given those circumstances. Cllr Sturgis, seconded by Cllr Hutton, moved the officer recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions outlined in the report. Members debated the impact of the proposal on neighbouring properties and the location of other two-storey dwellings nearby.

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: Drawing No.16/CHEST.1/P-02 Rev B received 16.01.17

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

3.    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.

4.    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.

5.    INFORMATIVE TO APPLICANT:

The applicant should note that the grant of planning permission does not include any separate permission which may be needed to erect a structure in the vicinity of a public sewer. Such permission should be sought direct from Thames Water Utilities Ltd / Wessex Water Services Ltd. Buildings are not normally allowed within 3.0 metres of a Public Sewer although this may vary depending on the size, depth, strategic

importance, available access and the ground conditions appertaining to the sewer in question.