Agenda item

Alterations to existing dwelling, including removal of swimming pool & demolition of garage. Erection of 1 no. new dwelling.

Update:

• There was a typo in the report regarding space standards.

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. Drawings of the proposed floor plans, elevations and block plan were shown. Images of the existing and proposed development and street scenes were also included. The principle of development in this location was explained along with examples of ‘backland’ development in the vicinity, the impact upon neighbouring amenity, amenity of future occupiers, trees and landscaping. In addition to this, details regarding highways, parking, flooding, drainage and impacts to Dorset heathlands were also set out. The principle of development was considered to be acceptable and accorded with local policy KS2. Therefore, the officer’s recommendation was to grant subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Public Participation

Cllr Parker spoke on behalf of the Parish Council in objection to the proposal. He referenced the site as being in a rural area, and considered the proposal to be overdevelopment which did not preserve the character of the area. In addition to this, the Parish Council considered the proposal to breach policies HE2 and HE3 of the Christchurch and Ease Dorset Local Plan as well as policies the East Dorset Local Plan. The speaker advised that parking was inadequate, there were no visitor spaces and parking would worsen on an already narrow road. He referenced ‘backland’ development at 9 Cherry Tree close and expressed concern over development elsewhere in St Leonards but stressed that members needed to consider each application on its own merits. Concerns were also raised about surface water flooding, and he hoped members would refuse the officers recommendation.

Members questions and comments

• Clarification regarding fire building regulations and emergency vehicle access.
• Confirmation on imposing conditions regarding pumping systems.
• Questions regarding whether there had been evidence as to whether surface water flooding had worsened.
• Clarification as to whether there was a site management plan and rational for continuation of construction.
• Concerns regarding local impact and surface water flooding.
• Members were sympathetic to the concerns raised by the Parish Council.
• Members noted that there were engineering solutions to mitigate flooding risk.
• Concerns regarding parking provision.
• Amendment to condition 6 identified as necessary to amend the hours of construction in the interests of neighbouring amenity.

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 APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Toni Coombs, and seconded by Cllr Duncan Sowry-House with the additional condition of a site management plan to include contractors arrangements for parking as well as an amendment to condition 6 regarding an alteration to the hours of construction, with a restriction to 6pm instead of 7pm as proposed in the officer recommendation.

Decision: To grant the officer’s recommendation for approval subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report, an additional condition to secure a site management plan and an amendment to condition 6 regarding an alteration to the hours of construction.