Application Number: 19/P1794                  Ward: West Barnes

Officer Recommendation: Grant Planning Permission subject to Conditions

PAC Resolved that Application 19/P1794 is: Granted Planning Permission subject to Conditions

Proposal: Conversion of existing property from 3 to 8 flats involving the erection of single storey side extensions and a two storey rear extension (with basement level) with associated landscaping, off-street car parking, cycle parking and refuse storage.

The Committee noted the officer’s report and presentation.

The Committee received verbal representations from two objectors to the application, who made points including:

·         We acknowledge the changes made by the developer and  but are disappointed that there are eight units in the development

·         There are documents missing from the planning portal

·         There are a number of planning applications in this area . Each one places more pressure on the infrastructure and more pressure on street parking in the area.

·         Loss of oak tree

·         The area is in a flood plain with an underground a river, this puts the basement at risk

The Committee received a verbal presentation from the Applicant’s agent who made points including:

·         We have worked with Officers on this application, and have the full support of the Council’s conservation Officer

·         This application takes the opportunity to reinstate many of the original features including the plaster and brickwork of this locally listed building, and to bring the building back to its former glory

·         We recognise that there is an issue with the parking but have been advised that 5 spaces is acceptable

·         The Council’s engineers have found the small basement acceptable, and there is a basement method statement

·         The landscaping will include mature planting

In reply to the objectors, The Planning Team Leader South explained that there are robust conditions in place to control the basement construction drainage. There are also conditions on the construction method statement and timing of construction. It is considered preferable to have landscaping at the front rather than one additional parking space.

Officers answered Members questions with the following points:

·         Some units have their own outdoor space but all have access to shared garden

·         The number of three bedroomed units is being maintained

·         The units meet national space standards

·         If required by a resident, a disabled parking bay could be created by widening one of the provided spaces

·         The allocation of parking spaces is not a planning matter

·         The Character of the street is houses with a small number of flats

·         The area does is not a CPZ, and parking spaces are available on the nearby road

One members commented that this proposal was very slightly too big, whilst another Member commented that the design was very attractive and of a high quality.

RESOLVED

The Committee voted to GRANT Planning Permission subject to conditions