Agenda item

Retrospective approval for a five-bedroom dwelling with external amendments to windows, a new gable.

(Amended plans received 07 July 2022 to remove proposed car port)

(Amended plans rec 23 August 2022 to resolve discrepancies with the proposal as built)

The committee considered planning application P22/V1091/FUL for the retrospective approval for a five-bedroom dwelling with external amendments to windows, a new gable (Amended plans received 07 July 2022 to remove proposed car port), (Amended plans rec 23 August 2022 to resolve discrepancies with the proposal as built), on land at 2 Poplar Corner, Wootton Village, Boars Hill, Oxford.  

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance, and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report, which formed part of the agenda pack for the meeting. 

The planning officer introduced the report and highlighted that the application was brought to committee on the request of the Vale of White Horse District Council’s planning manager. The dwelling in the application was not built to any approved plans and therefore this application seeks retrospective permission. The planning officer then informed the committee that much of the external alterations on the approved scheme involve the loft conversion and that loft conversions are normally allowed under permitted development rights.

The planning officer noted the objections from the Parish Council and local residents to the application but believed that the revised scheme would be in keeping with the local character of the area and would not cause harmful overlooking on the neighbouring properties. In addition, as the highways and forestry officers had no objection, subject to conditions, the planning officer recommended this application be approved.

Ian Bristow spoke on behalf of Wootton Parish Council, objecting to the application. 

Ifor Rhys, the agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the application.  

The committee noted the comments of the highways officer and were satisfied with the analysis that there would be adequate space for off-road parking and turning within the site, even with the additional expected vehicles brought by the loft conversion. In response to a question about the road junction into and out of the site, the planning officer informed the committee that the highways officer believed the junction to be adequate and safe.

In response to the committee raising several points about what could be done if work was carried out that was not acceptable or agreed by the Council, the planning officer informed the members that the proposed conditions call for detail to be submitted prior to occupation and that failure to have acceptable plans will be considered by officers and the Council’s planning enforcement team.

Ultimately, the committee expressed concern about the application due to it being a retrospective but agreed that they could see no material planning reasons for refusal. They also encouraged Wootton Parish Council to monitor the site and report any planning breached to the Council’s enforcement team.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote. 

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P22/V1091/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

Standard:

1. Approved plans

Prior to Occupation:

2. Materials as on plan

3. Access, parking and turning in accordance with plan.

4. Bicycle Parking

5. Refuse Storage

6. Landscaping scheme to be submitted

Compliance:

7. Landscaping implementation

8. Obscured glazed windows

9. Rooflights

Informatives:

10. Works within the Highway

11. CIL