Single storey extension.

Single storey extension.

The following updates were reported:

§             The comments of Holmer Parish Council had been received and were summarised as follows: [the parish council] 'Believe that the proposed extension would adversely affect the character and appearance of the building, contrary to the UDP, HBA12 re-use of rural buildings, clause 2 and therefore objects to this application.'

§             A letter of objection had been received from Stone House, Munstone and was summarised.

Councillor SJ Robertson, the Local Ward Member, noted the comments of the parish council and asked for clarification about the policy considerations.  In response, the Central Team Leader advised that policy HBA12 did not preclude extensions but did refer to rural buildings needing to be capable of 'accommodating the new use without the need for substantial alteration or extension… which would adversely affect the character or appearance of the building or have a detrimental impact on its surroundings and landscape setting'.  It was reported that a previous planning application had been withdrawn in June 2008 following concerns expressed by officers that an extension of 27 sq m would have been too substantial  [DCCW2008/1180/F refers].  However, this amended scheme was for an extension of 15 sq m and it was not considered that an extension of this size would materially alter the character and appearance of the building or its surroundings.  It was noted that features introduced to the barn since conversion, such as the porch and outbuildings, had compromised the character and appearance of the original building to some degree.  It was also noted that each application had to be considered on its own merits and it was the view of officers that, on balance, this scheme was acceptable.

Councillor PJ Edwards noted the importance of the established hedge and suggested that the Local Ward Member be consulted regarding the landscaping scheme.  The Central Team Leader noted that it would not be certain whether all existing planting could be retained until the extension was being constructed but he said that the Local Ward Member would be consulted on the landscaping scheme once received.

Councillor Robertson thanked the Central Team Leader for the guidance and help that he had provided on 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.      C01 (Samples of external materials).

         Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings so as to ensure that the development complies with the requirements of Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3.      G10 (Landscaping scheme).

         Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to conform with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.      G11 (Landscaping scheme - implementation).

         Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to comply with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informatives:

1.      N01 - Access for all.

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

3.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans.