Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval 161674/O (construction of three dwellings and alterations to the existing access) for appearance, landscaping, scale. 

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

(Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval 161674/O (construction of three dwellings and alterations to the existing access) for appearance, landscaping, and scale.)

(Councillor Bowen fulfilled the role of local ward member and accordingly had no vote on this application.)

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Councillor Bowen, fulfilling the role of local ward member for the application, spoke upon it.

He made the following principal comments:

·        The application was required to be considered by the Committee because it was an application by a Councillor. 

·        The site had outline planning permission and the application before the committee was a straightforward one for reserved matters.  Although a better design for the proposed dwellings might be desired the proposed design was acceptable. 

·        The site was well sheltered by existing hedges.

·        The footpath crossing the site would be cleared and made usable.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application some reservation and disappointment was expressed that the design did not reflect the local idiom and the opportunity had not been taken to provide dwellings of a better design.

It was suggested that the orientation of the dwellings could have been improved to benefit from solar energy in accordance with the council’s aim to reduce carbon emissions.

The Lead Development Manager commented that the materials to be used and the designs were similar to those used in the village.  In the review of the Core Strategy further account would be taken of climate change.  Building Regulations at national level were being revised and, although these were not a matter for the Committee, he would arrange for a briefing note to be circulated.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He acknowledged reservations expressed about the design but reiterated that the design was acceptable.

Councillor James proposed and Councillor Stone seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the printed recommendation. The motion was carried with 13 votes in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED: That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.           The development hereby approved shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans (drawing nos. AB-01, AB-02a, AB-03a – Received: 06 September 2019) and the schedule of materials indicated thereon.

            Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans and to protect the general character and amenities of the area in accordance with the requirements of Policy SD1 of the Herefordshire Local Plan – Core Strategy and the National Planning Policy Framework.

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.