Agenda item

The Committee considered application P/HOU/2022/03314 for modifications to existing porch and erect first floor infill extension above porch at 66 High Street, Langton Matravers, Dorset.

 

With the aid of a visual presentation, and taking account the detail in the report, officers showed what the main proposals, principles and planning issues of the development were. The presentation focused on not only what the development entailed and its detailed design, but what effect it would have on residential amenity and the character the area, taking into account the policies against which this application was being assessed.

 

Plans and photographs showed the appearance of the development and its dimensions; the materials to be used – including zinc clad roofing and the use of cedar; its setting within that part of Langton Matravers and the development’s relationship with other adjacent residential development and their characteristics, the application being within Langton Matravers Conservation Area and the Dorset AONB. Views into and around the site were shown as well as the characteristics of the village and adjacent area.

 

In summary, the officer’s assessment considered that the proposed porch adaptations would preserve the setting of the Conservation Area and the setting of the Grade II listed building and would be barely visible within local views and there were no wider views within the AONB which were likely to be adversely impacted by the development. In this respect the development is considered therefore to be acceptable in accordance with the relevant policies and on that basis it was being recommended that the application be approved.

 

Formal consultation had seen objections from Langton Matravers Parish Council and initially from, the local Ward member, Cllr Cherry Brooks, both

concerned about the slow erosion of the diamond pattern windows which are unique to the village, with the alternatives being proposed seeming to detract from the outside appearance. Since however Cllr Brooks considered the issues she had raised appeared to have been dealt with by the applicant and the Conservation Officer, so she was now satisfied.

 

Having heard what was said, officers responded to some of the pertinent issues raised, being confident that each one could be addressed by the provisions of the application.

 

The opportunity was then given for members to ask questions of the

presentation and what they had heard, in seeking clarification of aspects so

as to have a better understanding in coming to a decision, these being :-

 

·        what visibility there would be of the alterations and clarification of the Conservation Officer’s views,

·        what alternative materials could be used in the construction

·        would the new windows be double glazed.

 

Officers addressed the questions raised – and what clarification was needed - providing what they considered to be satisfactory answers.

 

From debate the Committee largely agreed with the officer’s recommendation, considering the alterations to be a practical enhancement which – given that it would not be readily visible and did not adversely impact amenity, would not compromise neither the Conservation Area, not the AONB,

 

 

On that basis and having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of this; having taken into account the officer’s report and presentation; the written representations; and what they had heard at the meeting, in being proposed by Councillor Mike Dyer and seconded by Councillor Shane Bartlett, in being put to the vote it was agreed – by 9:1 - that the application should be approved.

 

Resolved

That planning application P/HOU/2022/03314 be granted permission subject to the conditions and informative note in the officer’s report.

 

Reasons for Decision

• Para 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out that permission should be granted for sustainable development unless specific policies in the NPPF indicate otherwise

• The location is considered to be sustainable and the proposal is acceptable in its design and general visual impact on the Langton Matravers Conservation Area.

• There is not considered to be any significant harm to neighbouring residential amenity.

• There are no material considerations which would warrant refusal of this application

 

4.0 Key planning issues