Alterations and extension to existing dwelling.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet. He drew Members attention to a letter in the update sheet submitted by Mrs Jones, one of the neighbouring residents who had objected to the application, who had been unable to attend the meeting.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Rumsey, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Ingleton, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor PM Morgan, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         The application was finely balanced.

·         The proposed extension would make an extremely small cottage suitable for a family home.

·         The existing cottage was too small at present and needed to be extended.

·         Once extended the dwelling would only have three bedrooms.

·         Members attended a site inspection and were therefore able to judge the impact on the neighbouring residents.

·         There were conflicting views from the Council’s Conservation and Landscape Officers.

·         A pitched roof would result in a much larger footprint.

Members noted the quality of the workmanship that had been undertaken in restoring the existing cottage, they also noted that at present it was not fit for a family home and was in need of an extension. It was appreciated that the extension was contemporary with some members of the opinion that the cottage would benefit from an extension which was more in keeping with the original cottage.

The Committee commented on the proposed plans and noted that from the front of the dwelling the extension would not be seen, this therefore satisfied them that the original cottage would remain the dominant feature.

The issue of overlooking was discussed with Members of the opinion that any overlooking would be minimal. The Principal Planning Officer also advised that there were only ground floor windows facing the neighbours dwelling therefore reducing any issues of overlooking further.

Members continued to discuss the application, some were of the opinion that the proposed development was an ideal blend of contemporary and traditional design whilst others felt that the proposal was out of keeping with a traditional country village and would be more appropriate in an urban setting.

The issue of the scale of the extension was discussed at length. Members noted that the proposed extension would result in a 131% increase with some of the opinion that this was unacceptable. However other Members noted the scale of the existing dwelling and appreciated that a larger extension would be required to result in a home fit for a family to live in.

The Principal Planning Officer addressed a number of issues which had been raised by the Committee during the debate. He advised that the agreed floor plans meant that the extension could not be used as a separate dwelling; that an extension with a pitched roof would have to have a considerably larger  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65