Conversion of existing building to form dwelling house.

Conversion of existing building to form dwelling house.

The Principal Planning Officer reported that:

§         The applicant had confirmed by submission of title deeds that they enjoyed an unrestricted right of access to the application site and furthermore that they were the legal owners of the whole of the site outlined in red on the site plan that accompanied the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mrs. Wilson spoke in objection to the application.

Councillor DB Wilcox, a Local Ward Member, asked for clarification about matters relating to loss of privacy, the reasons for refusal of a previous application, and access and turning arrangements.  In response, the Principal Planning Officer advised that: there were no direct window to window relationships and it was not considered that the additional impact of the development would be unacceptable; that the refused application in 1994 was effectively for the part demolition of the existing building and construction of a full first floor tantamount to an entirely new building; and the Traffic Manager considered that the off street parking and vehicle manoeuvring and turning area were adequate.

In response to a question from Councillor GFM Dawe, the Central Team Leader advised that Conservation Area status did not place an embargo on development but it did require stricter tests for develop in such areas.

Councillor PJ Edwards supported the recommendation of approval and noted that it was considered that the development would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.  This view was supported by a number of members.

In response to a question from Councillor WJ Walling, the Central Team Leader clarified the street numbering practice in the locality.

RESOLVED:

Subject to clarification regarding the ownership of part of the application site, the officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers be authorised to issue planning permission subject to the following conditions and any additional conditions considered necessary by officers:

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.      E16 (Removal of permitted development rights).

         Reason: To enable the local planning authority to give further consideration to the acceptability of any extensions or alterations in the interests of visual and residential amenity.

4.      H10 (Parking - single house).

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

5.      W01 (Foul/surface water drainage).

         Reason: To protect the integrity of the public sewerage system.

6.      W02 (No surface water to connect to public system).

         Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system, to protect the health and safety of existing residents and ensure no detriment to the environment.

7.      W03 (No drainage run-off to public system).

         Reason: To prevent hydraulic overload of the public sewerage system and pollution of the environment.

8.      E09 (No conversion of garage to habitable accommodation).

         Reason: To ensure adequate off street parking arrangements remain available at all times.

Informatives:

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

2.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt.