Agenda item

The Corporate Director - Planning and Governance recommends that the Planning Committee grants planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the original report attached as Appendix 1.

Introduction

The Committee considered an application for the proposed erection of a ground and first floor side and rear wrap-around extension with itched roofs to match existing at 31, Georgina Avenue.

Reason Why Being Considered by Planning Committee

The application was referred to Planning Committee on 25^th November 2021.  At this meeting Members were minded to refuse planning permission, contrary to Officer’s recommendation, on the grounds of impact on character of the area, concerns that the proposed extension is an congruous and visually intrusive addition to the streetscene and size, massing and bulk of the proposed extension.

The previous report to Planning Committee on 25^th November 2021 was attached as Appendix 1.

Report/Background/Late Papers

The report, at paragraph 3, set out a planning assessment of each of the grounds for refusal given at the last meeting.  In the summary of the report, at paragraph 4.3, Members were asked to note that if the application is refused contrary to officer recommendation and an appeal is lodged against the decision then it will be necessary to appoint external consultants to act on behalf of the local Authority.

There were no late papers circulated.

Officer Presentation

The information was presented as set out by the Corporate Director – Planning and Governance, in conjunction with a powerpoint presentation, which had been provided for Members at the previous meeting.

The Interim Head of Development Management drew the Committee’s attention to paragraph 5.1 of the report, which provided a suggested reason for refusal in the event that the Committee reached a different conclusion and resolved to refuse the application, contrary to Officer’s recommendation.

Public Representations

There had been no on registered to speak on the application.

Key Points of Debate

·         Members agreed that nothing had changed since this application was brought before the Committee 2 weeks ago and reaffirmed their reasons for refusal made at the last meeting. 

·         On this basis it was proposed that the application be refused for the reasons as set out in the Officers report.

A proposal to refuse the application had been made and this was seconded.  There being no further points made the Chair asked the Legal Team Manager to request the voting of each Member of the Committee who were eligible to vote.  Following the recording of the votes the proposal was refused for the reason set out in paragraph 5.1 of the Officer’s report as follows:

For – 8

Against – 0

Abstentions – 1

Contrary to Officer recommendation it was

RESOLVED: That the Committee refuse planning permission for the following reasons:

1.   Policy SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 requires that development proposals achieve a high standard of design, having regard to the character of the area and harmonising with their surroundings and to make a positive contribution to the character and quality of its environment through good layout and design. Development will not be permitted which has an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of nearby uses and residents. This is reflected in the aims and interests that the National Planning Policy Framework seeks to protect and promote with regard to amenity and design.

In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposed extension would unacceptably compromise the established character and appearance of the site and surrounding area by reason of its scale, design and appearance and as such would appear wholly incongruous within the street scene, thereby compromising the established character and pattern of the development in the locality.

The development would thereby also be contrary to policy SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 and the aims and interests of the National Planning Policy Framework which seeks to protect and promote amenity and design.

2.   Policy SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 requires that development proposals achieve a high standard of design, having regard to the character of the area and harmonising with their surroundings and to make a positive contribution to the character and quality of its environment through good layout and design. Development will not be permitted which has an unacceptable adverse impact on the amenity of nearby uses and residents. This is reflected in the aims and interests that the National Planning Policy Framework seeks to protect and promote with regard to amenity and design.

In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposed extensions would adversely compromise the amenity of neighbouring property No. 33 Georgina Avenue by reason of its siting, scale and massing.

The development would thereby also be contrary to policy SWDP 21 of the South Worcestershire Development Plan 2016 and the aims and interests of the National Planning Policy Framework which seeks to protect and promote amenity and design.