Agenda item

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

Introduction

The Committee considered an application for the demolition of an existing rear extension/conservatory and replacement with single storey rear extension to house two dwellings, plus reconfiguration of existing units.  Demolition of existing garden outbuildings and extension of rear parking area.  Creation of stand-alone rear bin and cycle store and garden areas at 5 Shrubbery Avenue.

Reason Why Being Considered by Planning Committee

The application had been referred to Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Lewing as set out in paragraph 1.2 of the Officer report.

Report/Background/Late Papers

The report set out the background to the proposal, the site and surrounding area, the proposal itself, relevant policies, planning history and representation and consultations where applicable.

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 for the item.

Public Representations

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

Key Points of Debate

·         Members noted that the site is designated within the Shrubbery Avenue Conservation Area, for which the Article 4 Direction applies.  This limits development that can be undertaken as outlined in paragraph 2.10 and 2.11 of the Officers report.

·         The Senior Planning Officer informed Committee Members that neighbours had objected to the original scheme submitted, as outlined in paragraph 6.  As a result the scheme was amended and neighbours were consulted on the revised scheme.  Members noted that the number of objections had been reduced.

·         Following a question on consultation on amended plans, the Interim Head of Planning stated that there was a statutory duty to consult on applications and all relevant parties were reconsulted on this particular one.  Most amended plans are as a result of concerns that have been raised.

·         Members questioned the amount of parking available for the development but it was noted that it had been assessed  by highways who stated that the proposed scheme would benefit from four off road car parking spaces accessed from St Georges Lane South.

·         In referring to the installation of photovoltaic panels, Members noted that planning permission was required due to the Article 4 Direction.

·         In referring to condition 5 related to planting, it was noted that there was a substantial amount on site already, most of what is required is hard landscaping. 

·         A condition was requested for any hard surface areas to be permeable.  It was agreed that condition 5 would be amended to take this into account.

A proposal to approve 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 agreed as follows, subject to the amendment of condition 5 relating to the use of permeable materials for hardstanding areas.

For – 6

Against - 1

Abstentions – 2

RESOLVED: That the Committee grant planning permission, subject to the conditions set out in section 9 of the report and to the amendment of condition 5 relating to the use of permeable materials for hardstanding areas.