Agenda item

Construction of a detached chalet bungalow.

The Committee agreed to extend the meeting beyond three hours.

The Development Management Team Leader presented the application for the erection of a dwelling, with the location of the site shown within Bere Regis. Site constraints were displayed on a map and it was noted that land adjacent to the site was owned by Dorset Council.

Photographs of the site and its access were shown, confirming that the land was in private ownership and enclosed on both sides. Additional photographs illustrated views of the site looking towards the school.

Existing and proposed site plans were presented, showing a single bungalow with two parking spaces and a garden area. It was highlighted that the Council did not have a five-year land supply so the tilted balance in favour of development applied. The proposal was considered infill development that was not out of keeping with the area. The slope of the site would allow the bungalow to sit comfortably within wider views. Proposed elevations were shown, with a hipped roof design reflecting other properties on Egdon Close. Floor plans and roof plans were also displayed.

The proposal was assessed as causing no loss of amenity or light. The window would only allow oblique views of the school and neighbouring gardens, so no adverse impact on amenity was expected. A condition would require that the bathroom window be obscure glazed and another condition required the rooflight above the stairwell to be non-opening and obscure glazed, with permitted development rights removed for further windows.

A proposed surface water drainage plan was submitted. Although the site was not at risk of flooding, there was flooding nearby. The drainage plan offered potential betterment and biodiversity enhancement and soft landscaping would be required by condition, along with Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.

Highway safety and parking were considered, with engineers raising no issues and noting that vehicle movements would be fewer than previous uses. Accessibility for fire and emergency vehicles was discussed, as the width of the access did not meet the 3.7 metres required for a fire engine to reverse into the site. Compliance with building regulations would be necessary and the agent had confirmed that a sprinkler system would be installed to ensure compliance.

The loss of off-street parking was raised, as the application site had previously been used for resident parking. It was acknowledged that residents were concerned about this loss, but alternative parking had been provided and the ownership of the land was now in different hands. Seven alternative payable licenced spaces had been provided by Aster, which was considered sufficient to offset the loss.

Matthew Holmes spoke as the agent for the application. He noted that the site would provide a similar sized plot to other homes in the area and the scheme also offered biodiversity enhancements on site. He stated that the development was well designed and in keeping with the area and that residential amenity would be protected through the proposed conditions.

Officers provided the following responses to members questions:

·       The 7 parking spaces provided to the east of Egdon Close were not free to use.

·       Access to the neighbours gate would be a matter of land law for the parties to decide.

·       There was previously a garage block on the site of the 7 parking spaces.

·       The Construction Management plan would require hours of working to be submitted for approval.

It was proposed by Cllr Sowry-House and seconded by Cllr Hobbs-Chell, that the application be approved.

Decision: That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes.