Conversion and extension of existing house into five no. self-contained flats.

Conversion and extension of existing house into five no. self-contained flats.

The Senior Planning Officer reported the receipt of correspondence from the Conservation Area Advisory Committee and summarised its contents (it was suggested that four flats would be more acceptable than five given the traffic and parking issues and to maintain residential quality).

Councillor W.J. Walling, a Local Member, did not oppose the principle of conversion but felt that, given the considerable traffic problems in the vicinity of the site, a reduction in the number of flats should be sought.

Councillor M.D. Lloyd-Hayes, a Local Member, noted that the traffic problems in the area were caused by the petrol station/Tesco Express and that this proposal would not exacerbate those problems given the scale of the development proposed and the recommended conditions in respect of parking.

In response to a question, the Legal Practice Manager advised that a reduction in the number of flats could not be dealt with through conditions, as it would fundamentally alter the essence of the application under consideration.  The Senior Planning Officer added that the Traffic Manager had confirmed acceptability of the revised parking provision and layout.  The Central Team Leader reminded the Sub-Committee of Government advice in respect of the best use of land in urban locations and he emphasised the need for a judgement to be made on the proposal before Members.

Given the advice of Officers, a motion to seek amendments to the application was withdrawn.

Councillor A.C.R. Chappell noted the importance of local people expressing their concerns about planning matters but felt that some of the comments in the letters of objection regarding the potential for anti-social behaviour were unfortunate.

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.      A06 (Development in accordance with approved plans).

         Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development.

3.      B02 (Matching external materials (extension)).

         Reason: To ensure the external materials harmonise with the existing building.

4.      E17 (No windows in side elevation of extension).

         Reason: In order to protect the residential amenity of adjacent properties.

5.      F16 (Restriction of hours during construction).

         Reason: To protect the amenity of local residents.

6.      G04 (Landscaping scheme (general)).

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

7.      G05 (Implementation of landscaping scheme (general)).

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

8.      G16 (Protection of trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order).

         Reason: To ensure the proper care and maintenance of the trees.

9.      H06 (Vehicular access construction).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

10.    H08 (Access closure).

         Reason: To ensure the safe and free flow of traffic using the adjoining County highway.

11.    H09 (Driveway gradient).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety.

12.    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.

13.    H29 (Secure cycle parking provision).

         Reason: To ensure that there is adequate provision for secure cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both local and national planning policy.

Informatives:

1.      HN01 - Mud on highway.

2.      HN03 - Access via public right of way.

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