Proposed single storey extension to provide additional bedrooms and day space.  Erection 2 no. garden sheds.

Proposed single storey extension to provide additional bedrooms and day space.  Erection 2 no. garden sheds.

The Principal Planning Officer reported the following:

§         An amended plan had been received from the applicants to demonstrate that 15 parking spaces could be provided within the forecourt area.  It was noted that the arrangement satisfied the Traffic Manager’s concerns.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Peachey spoke in support of the application.

Councillor A.L. Williams, a Local Ward Member, noted the planning history of this site and recognised the concerns of local residents about creeping development.  He also commented on the level of additional traffic that could be generated through the provision of additional bedrooms, particularly from medical and other support services.  In response, the Principal Planning Officer acknowledged that the existing parking layout was inadequate and that proper delineation of parking spaces would be required as part of the planning permission if granted.

Councillor D.B. Wilcox, also a Local Ward Member, noted the difficulties of balancing the requirements of the care home and the need to protect the Conservation Area and residential amenities.  He noted that the primary concerns of the objectors related to loss of privacy and visual impact and asked for clarification about how these issues would be addressed.  In response, the Principal Planning Officer considered that there would be no serious loss of residential amenities given the single storey nature of the extensions, the distances between the extensions and the adjacent property, the removal of windows to the side elevation of the north-west wing, and the height of the boundary wall.

Councillor Wilcox suggested that, in order to mitigate visual impact, a landscaping scheme should also be required as a condition.  The Principal Planning Officer advised that the possibility of landscaping could be considered but noted that there was limited distance between the proposed extensions and the boundary wall.  He also commented on proposed roof design elements which would minimise visual impact.

Councillor P.J. Edwards did not feel that the scheme would preserve or enhance the Conservation Area and drew attention to the comments of the Conservation Manager, particularly concerns about the scale of the proposed extensions.

A number of Members acknowledged the concerns raised by local residents and the Conservation Manager but did not feel that, given incremental development in recent years, the impact of the proposal was sufficient enough to warrant refusal of this application.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.      A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

         Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.      B01 (Samples of external materials).

         Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings.

3.      H13 (Access, turning area and parking).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure the free flow of traffic using the adjoining highway.

4.      G04 (Landscaping scheme – general)

         Reason: In order  to protect the visual amenities of the area

5.       G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme – general)

Informatives:

1.      N03 - Adjoining property rights.

2.      N13 - Control of demolition - Building Act 1984.

3.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt.

4.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.