Agenda item

Grey cladding above the dado line, replacement of UPVC soffits and facias on porch with same cladding, new aluminium white double glazed windows.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members. Photographs of the dwelling and plans of the proposed elevations were shown, including details of the proposed cedral cladding. Members were provided with a summary of the key issues and third party comments  which raised  concerns regarding the proposal not being in keeping with the area,  impacting the Dorset National Landscape, and the street scene due to its prominent location. The Case Officer advised members that the proposed modifications would not harm the character of the area subject to a condition to ensure the materials and colour for the cladding were acceptable. There was no wider impact on the Dorset National Landscape and were no significant impact on neighbours. The principle of development was considered acceptable. Therefore, the officer’s recommendation was to grant subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report.

Public Participation

Local residents spoke in objection to the proposal. They explained that the housing estate had won awards due to its high standard of design. They noted that Alexander House was in a prominent position and asserted that cladding was an appropriate material to use. It was highlighted that there were currently no other buildings within the vicinity which had cladding to the extent proposed, therefore it was not in keeping with the character of the area and would have looked out of place, causing the area to lose its distinctive characteristics. Residents were concerned that if approved, it would set a precedence within the village. The site being situated near the National Landscape (AONB) was also discussed as well as the other materials which had been used to create other dwellings within the area. Residents hoped that members would listen to their concerns and overturn the officer recommendation on the basis of inappropriate designs and materials.

Mr George Robson spoke on behalf of his father Mr Andrew Robson, the applicant. He explained to members that he lived at the property with his parents. Mr Robson explained that when the existing rendering was applied, it had not been done so properly and therefore as it was a prominent property, something had to be done. Careful consideration had been undertaken to ensure that the materials were appropriate. The applicants highlighted the need for replacing more sustainable windows and their desire to make their property look more respectable.

The Local Ward Member made a representation in objection to the proposal of behalf of over 50 residents and the Parish Council. Cllr Ezzard highlighted that the proposal was designed by an award-winning architect and informed members that it was a focal point when entering the site. The Local Ward member noted the comments received by the applicant, however she felt that the original builders should have been informed if the cladding work had not been completed correctly. She highlighted the history of the site and that any change should have come to committee.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 8.1 the committee voted to extend the duration of the meeting.

Members questions and comments

• Clarification regarding what weight could have been given to the Purbeck Local Plan.
• The site was made up of a design variance with a variety of materials.
• Cladding was not in keeping with the style or grandeur of the building. It was not appropriate for the house within the location.
• Members referred to policy E2 of the Arne neighbourhood Plan, the LP policies and Purbeck Design Guidance and did not consider that the proposal was in keeping with the area.
• Significant property on the site which was designed by an award-winning architecture.
• Members noted that they did not have issues with fascia and windows, their concerns lay with the scale of the proposed cladding.

·       PD rights were removed to safeguard the character of the estate. The previous Purbeck Council had gone to great lengths to preserve this; therefore, the successor council should not alter or undermine those decisions.

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 REFUSE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Toni Coombs, and seconded by Cllr Duncan Sowry-House.

Decision: To refuse the officer’s recommendation for approval for the following reasons.

·       The proposed cladding of the entire first floor of the dwelling would be unsympathetic with the property and estate design, would not reflect local distinctiveness and would not truly integrate with its surroundings, given its prominent location, contrary to Policy E12 of the Purbeck Local Plan, Policy 2 of the Arne Neighbourhood Plan and the Purbeck District Design Guide.