Conversion of redundant upper floor accommodation to create two self contained residential dwelling apartments, with associated external staircase access and balcony. Alterations and re-ordering to existing upper floor residential accommodation fronting onto High Street above bank premises.

Conversion of redundant upper floor accommodation to create two self contained residential dwelling apartments, with associated external staircase.

Alterations and re-ordering to existing upper floor residential accommodation fronting onto high street above bank premises.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Cowan, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the development.

Councillor PJ Watts, one of the Local Ward Members, said that he had visited the site and noted the objector’s concerns regarding the etched glass screens to the balconies. However, he said that this type of glass had worked well at another site that he had knowledge of and was confident it would have the same affect at the application site. He said that parking on the site was adequate for the number of dwellings proposed and was happy to give his support to the application.

The Principal Planning Officer clarified that the etched screen would be above normal eye level and was designed to allow light through it. He said that the application would be conditioned to insist that the local planning authority approves the etched screen before installation and to ensure that it was maintained in the long term. 

Councillor ME Cooper, one of the other Local Ward Members said that she supported the proposal as she felt there was a need for further residential accommodation in Ledbury. She said that she supported the mixed residential and business use.

In response to a further question from a Member, the Principal Planning Officer said that the purpose of the etched screen was to safeguard privacy and to prevent loss of amenity by maintaining the light into the neighbouring property’s kitchen.  He also said that the use of the area to the rear for parking had been established for some time

RESOLVED

A)      That Planning Permission (DCNE0009/1088/F) be granted subject to the following conditions:

1       A 01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)) – 12 months

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

2       Prior to commencement of the development hereby permitted the following matters shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for their written approval:-

·         Written details of the materials to be used to surface the car parking and manoeuvring areas together with surface water drainage arrangements if an impermeable surface is proposed;

·         A sample of the etched glass to be used in the glazed screen on the southern elevations of the balconies;

·         Written details and samples of all external materials;

·         Large scale drawings of all internal and external joinery together with written details as to their finishes;

·         Written details of all rainwater goods;

·         The location and design of cycle parking facilities

          The development shall not commence until the Local Planning Authority has given such written approval. The development shall be carried out in strict accordance with the approved plans.

         Reasons:

   1)      To ensure that the special character and appearance of the listed building is conserved;

2)      To safeguard the character and appearance of the Conservation Area;

3)      To safeguard the setting of the listed building;

4)      To ensure adequate cycle parking provision;

5)      To ensure that the glazing is sufficiently etched to safeguard the privacy of the occupiers of the dwelling known as 'The Long House'.

3       Prior to the first occupation of any of the dwellings hereby permitted the approved car parking areas, turning manoeuvring area(s) and cycle parking provision shall be fully implemented. Thereafter these areas shall be maintained and kept available for such use.

         Reasons: To ensure satisfactory vehicle and cycle parking facilities.

4       Prior to the first occupation of any of the dwellings hereby permitted the balconies shall be provided with the etched glazed screens as detailed upon the approved plans. Thereafter these glazed screens shall remain in-situ and be maintained to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

         Reason: To safeguard the privacy of the occupiers of the dwelling house to the south known as 'The Long House'.

INFORMATIVES:

1      N15 - Reasons for the Grant of Planning Permission

2      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans; and

B)     That Listed Building Consent (DCNE0009/1089/L) be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1       B            01 (Time limit for commencement (Listed Building Consent))

2       Prior to commencement of the works hereby permitted the following matters shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for their written approval:-

·         Written details and samples of all external materials;

·         Large scale drawings of all internal and external joinery together with written details as to their finishes;

·         Written details of all rainwater goods

         The works shall not commence until the Local Planning Authority has given such written approval. The works shall be carried out in strict accordance with the approved plans.

         Reason: To ensure that the special character and appearance of the listed building is conserved.

INFORMATIVES:

1       N15 - Reasons for the Grant of Listed Building Consent

2       N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans