Proposed erection of four dwellings and associated works.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Foxton was not present during consideration of this application. Councillor Swinglehurst fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Development Manager gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Lodge, of Llangarron Parish Council spoke in opposition to the scheme.  Dr P Harries, a local resident, spoke in objection.  Mr M Tompkins, the applicant’s agent, and Mrs F Farr, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Swinglehurst, spoke on the application.

She made the following principal comments:

·        There was a high level of objection from local people to the application.  However, a number of letters had also been received in support. The objectors, in the main lived closest to the site and would be most affected.

·        Letters in support of the proposal, principally felt that it was consistent with policy, and would breathe new life into the village.  The negative impact had been exaggerated.  The applicant had been willing to take on board comments and amend the plans.  The site was well located – close to the village amenities, well designed and would contribute positively to the village. 

·        However objectors considered the development would have a negative impact on the character of the settlement, be unacceptable in form, design, scale and location and have a negative impact on neighbouring properties. 

·        Trecilla Court (House) was understood to be being considered for listing by English Heritage and even without listing was due some regard as an undesignated heritage asset along with the cluster of curtilage buildings.  Any potential impact on the grade 1 listed church, St Deinsts and Little Trecilla also needed to be considered and whether or not that impact would be contrary to policy LD4 to protect, conserve and if possible enhance historic assets. 

·        Those nearest the site felt that the development would have an impact on their residential amenity – either though overlooking or disruption during the build phase.  The height of the plot in relation to those properties raised the concern that the ridge and eaves height, in context, would be overbearing.  The conservation officer had noted this point.

·        There was concern that the application would erode the pattern of dispersed sandstone settlement characteristic of Llangarron through infill and that the edge of the built environment was at Trecilla House and outbuildings.

·        Planning permissions had recently been granted for 4 houses in the immediate locality. There was concern that the proposal would make the road dangerous to use and that the cumulative impact on the local road network would be severe.   Lack of sufficient parking at the Church and Garron Centre worsened the problem along the narrow and twisting lane restricting visibility and making it difficult to pass. 

·        Drainage was a concern due to the steepness of the site and, although the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37