Application Numbers: 19/P0219 & 19/P0220

Ward: Village

Officer Recommendation:

GRANT Listed Building Consent subject to conditions – 19/P0220

GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions 19/P0219

PAC Resolved to:

Grant Listed Building Consent subject to conditions for application 19/P0220

Grant Planning Permission subject to conditions for application  19/P0219

Proposal: Listed Building Consent and Planning Permission for the erection of a single storey rear extension/garden room and excavation of basement level swimming pool beneath rear garden with access via garden room; erection of a dormer window to rear roof slope; erection of a detached two storey double garage with guest room and access from Chester road; and realignment of entrance gates off Westside and installation of railings to front boundary wall (along Westside). Demolition of existing garage.

The Committee noted the officers report and presentation and additional information in the Supplementary Agenda – Modifications.

The Committee received  verbal representations from two objectors to the application, and the Applicant.

The Objectors made points including:

·         For one objector the main concern is the new garage with a bedroom in the roof. This is much bigger than other garages in the area, as it is 7.5m wide with accommodation in the roof and dormers. Owing to its size and scale it will not protect the character of the Conservation Area. It will also cause overlooking from its staircase.

·         The second resident spoke of his concerns with relocating the streetlight which would result in a dangerous unlit area on  Chester Road. He also expressed concern about the excessive size of the proposed garage, which would set a precedent.

The Applicant made points including:

·         This proposal will restore the property and will be a family home

·         Worked with Council Officers on the proposal

·         Council Highways officers surveys show that there is parking capacity in the area, but we will work to replace the lost space if necessary

·         The garage will replace the 1980’s garage. All planning applications must be judged on their own merits

·         There will be a net increase in trees of over 30

In reply to Members Questions Officer replied:

·         There is a bedroom and bathroom proposed above the new garage. These rooms are deemed ‘ancillary’ to the main property by condition. Therefore they cannot be let or sold as a separate property. The property has been split into 3 separate dwellings in the past, the applicant would require a separate planning permission to return to this.

·         Two car parking spaces would be affected by the proposal, with a net loss of one space. Highways Officers have reported parking capacity in the area and so there is no concern regarding the lost space

·         The Conservation Officer has said that the breakthrough of the listed boundary wall is acceptable as it is in a location away from the main house

·         The rooms above the garage have less usable space than the garage owing to the dormers.

·         The extensions to the listed building are of a contemporary design and have been accepted by the Conservation Officer. Contemporary design is often used in this way to show a striking difference between old and new.

·         An informative can be added to request that the new lamppost will still light the same area. This cannot be enforced by condition because it is not on the site.

Members made comments including:

·         Surprised that the design is acceptable for a listed building, the extension should respect the listed building

·         The garage with rooms above is bigger than a whole house in other parts of the borough, and is potentially a separate home

·         Other members supported the design

RESOLVED

The Committee voted to GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions

The Committee voted to GRANT Listed Building Consent subject to conditions