Agenda item

(Wards Affected: Greendown)

Councillor Jenny Hannaby had declared a personal interest in this item and in accordance with Standing Order 34 she remained in the meeting during its consideration.

The Officers explained that the proposal was in two elements, details of which were outlined.  It was noted that the application site was adjacent to the Conservation Area and a Listed Building.  It was highlighted that the Parish Council had objected to the application and there had been 4 further letters of objection, details of which were set out in the report.

Reference was made to the block plan and it was reported that the dormer windows of the extension would look towards the Listed Building, but this was 25 metres away.  In addition, there was a property to the west of the application site called Appleton House, although the nearest element of the proposal to this house would be the garage extension and to a lesser extent the swimming pool on the other side of the access drive.  In addition it was commented that there was another neighbouring property, Holton House, the gable end windows of which would look out on the extension.  It was therefore proposed that the windows on the extension would be set at 1.7 metres to avoid overlooking.  Finally, it was commented that there was a fence to the front which would obscure the views from the main street.

It was noted that notwithstanding the objections raised, the Officers considered that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on the character or appearance of the area or the Listed Building.

Mr A Brough the occupier of the Listed Building, speaking on behalf of his wife and other neighbours made a statement objecting to the application raising concerns relating to matters already covered in the report.  He particularly raised concerns regarding loss of privacy; overlooking; height; dominance; the creation of a blank wall overlooking the lane; adverse impact of the rural appearance and character of the area; noise from the users of the pool and its pump.

One Member referred to the elevations and suggested that should the Committee be minded to approve the application, an additional condition to address slab levels should be added.  With reference to noise, the Member commented that the swimming pool without the enclosure could be built without planning permission.

One Member agreed with the concerns raised regarding potential noise and requested that a condition be included to address this.  In response, the Officers explained that there was potential for noise from the pump house and hence condition 5 set out in the report was proposed to address this.  Furthermore, it was explained that should a noise nuisance occur, this could be dealt with under Environmental Health legislation.

One Member referred to the comments of the Parish Council in terms of percentage increase in floor space and this being contrary to planning policy GS3.  However, the Officers clarified that this policy related to the Green Belt and that the application site was not in the Green Belt.

Concerns was expressed at the need to retain the fence and to this end it was considered that should the Committee be minded to approve the application a further condition should be added to require this.

By 14 votes to nil it was

RESOLVED

that application CHD/16632/2 be approved subject to: -

(1)        the conditions set out in the report;

(2)        further conditions to address slab levels and boundary treatment to ensure the retention of the boundary fence.