Agenda item

Erect two single storey and two first floor extensions to rear.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. Photographs of the existing and proposed front, side, and rear elevations as well as roof plans were shown. Members were also provided with details of the proposed staircase, front door, and interior plans. The officer’s presentation also included impacts on amenity, heritage assets and scale, design, impact on character and appearance. The recommendation for planning application P/HOU/2023/03822 was to refuse and the officer’s recommendation for application P/LBC/2023/03823, listed building consent was to refuse.

Public Participation

The agent spoke in support of the proposal. He highlighted that the existing property had been neglected and the current condition was not liveable. Mr Stone informed members of the applicants’ intentions and highlighted that the original staircase didn’t conform with regulations. A relocation of the staircase would improve the interior. The agent felt that the proposal supported evolution and felt that the alterations needed outweighed the harm. He noted that there would be no impact to the street scene and hoped the committee would support the application.

The applicant addressed committee and informed them of their intentions of making a family home. Mr Gueterbock highlighted the sites heritage and informed members that the proposed changes were in accordance with the NPPF. He respected the work of planners, but changes were needed. It was a modest extension which would make it fit and comply with the 21^st century whilst providing safe first floor access.

Cllr Jill Haynes spoke in support of the proposal. She noted that she was surprised by the interior and did not agree with the officer’s recommendation for refusal. Cllr Haynes felt that the public benefit outweighed any concerns and that moving the staircase was essential. She noted that Historic England raised no objections and that the rear of the building needed work. This was a property that needed to be lived in and it was essential that someone that cared would bring it back to use. Cllr Haynes urged the committee to support the application.

Members questions and comments

·       Clarification regarding the listed building in the conservation area and the historical use.

·       Clarification regarding the building footprint.

·       Members felt that the proposal was an improvement and development was needed.

·       Confirmation on the level of harm if approved.

·       Alterations are considered to provide better living conditions and would be a public benefit that outweighed the less than substantial harm.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to overturn the officer’s recommendation to refuse and grant planning permission, was proposed by Cllr Les Fry, and seconded by Cllr Carole Jones subject to conditions.

Decision: To overturn the officer’s recommendation and grant permission and to delegate condition wording to officers after the meeting in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chair.