Officer Recommendation:
Grant Permission subject to conditions.

1. Proposal: Erection of part single, part double storey end of terrace building to the side of 27 Cannon Hill Lane with accommodation in the roof space and basement with a single storey rear extension and rear roof extension constructed to the existing dwelling house and provision within the existing and proposed floor space of five flats (2 three bedroom flats, a single one bedroom flat and 2 two bedroom flats) with five off street parking spaces accessed from Cannon Hill Lane.  (See also below about the number/size of flats proposed.)

2. Number/size of flats proposed – It was noted that the applicant in their oral representations had referred to the proposal as including 2 three bedroom flats; whereas in the report –

(i) the proposal (on page 11) and the text in paragraph 3.1 (on page 12) referred to the proposal as including -
(a) a single three bedroom flat,
(b) a single one bedroom flat; and
(c) 3 two bedroom flats; whereas

(ii) the table in paragraph 3.1 (on page 12) referred to the proposal as including -
(a) 2 three bedroom flats,
(b) a single one bedroom flat; and
(c) 2 two bedroom flats.

2.1 In the circumstances, the Chair requested the applicant’s representative to clarify the number of three bedroom flats actually included in the proposal.  The applicant’s representative confirmed that the proposal included 2 three bedroom flats, and the plans of the basement at the rear should have been amended to show two bedrooms (not just one). 

2.2 Officers advised that if the proposal was now considered to include 2 three bedroom flats, then any approval would need to be subject to the submission of revised plans showing the 2 three bedroom flats.

3. Shared Garden - Extra Condition – Reference was made to the proposal for 3 of the 5 flats to share the same garden space.  Officers confirmed that there would be a need to impose a condition requiring submission of plans/details showing the proposed sharing arrangements for the amenity space prior to any occupation of the development. 

3.1 It was noted that some of the amenity space would be accessed from Springfield Road.  Officers also confirmed that the condition could be amended so to cover any security/access arrangements in this regard.

4. Split Level Flats – Officers confirmed that some of the flats would be split level and outlined the proposed configuration/layout of the flats within the new development.

5. Discussion – Member expressed various concerns about the proposals including the stacking arrangements for the flats; the internal circulation within the building, the disorganised nature of the development; the proposed sharing and access arrangements for some of the outdoor space, the loss of a family house; and the site/area not being appropriate for this sort of development.

6. Refusal Motion:  It was moved and seconded that permission be refused on the on the grounds shown below.  The motion was carried by 8 votes to 1 (Councillor Philip Jones dissenting and Councillors Linda Kirby abstaining).  Subsequently the Committee agreed that officers be delegated authority to agree the detailed grounds of refusal

Decision: Item 5 - ref. 14/P2373 (27 Cannon Hill Lane, Raynes Park, SW20 9JY)

(A) subject to detailed grounds of refusal being agreed in accordance with (B) below, REFUSE permission on grounds relating to the following
(i) loss of a family house;
(ii) inappropriate stacking arrangements and internal circulation; and 
(iii) the proposed development failing to meet the Council’s requirement for 50% of housing to be family housing.

(B) Delegation: The Director of Environment & Regeneration be delegated authority to agree the detailed grounds of refusal, including any appropriate amendments, additions and/or deletions to the proposed grounds/policies.