Agenda item

Demolish garage and outbuilding and erect 2 No 2 bedroom bungalows with parking. Creation of new parking area to No 50 & 51.

The Lead Project Officer presented the application for the demolition of a garage and outbuilding and the erection of two two‑bedroom bungalows with associated parking, together with the creation of new parking areas for Nos. 50 and 51. An update was provided advising that, since publication of the committee papers, an additional representation had been received from residents of Newton Road raising concerns about increased flood risk from the proposal.

The site context within Sturminster Marshall was shown, including the application site and adjoining garages. Neighbourhood Plan policies’ recognition of the distinctive character of the area were highlighted. A street‑scene view from the recreation ground was presented, identifying the garage to be demolished. The proposed new access would run between No. 51 and the existing garage. It was considered that single‑storey development could be achieved without harming the established character of the area.

The design of the proposed bungalows was shown and described as using traditional materials. Reference was made to a previous appeal in the vicinity where back land development had been allowed, with the Planning Inspector acknowledging the area’s varied character. A previous planning application on this site had been refused; the new proposal had amended the access position and moved Unit 2 further forward in its plot. Members were also informed that planning permission had previously been granted to create an additional dwelling on the plot of No 51, which could not be implemented should the new scheme be approved.

Concerns had been raised regarding neighbouring amenity. However, as the proposed dwellings were single storey with pitched roofs, officers considered they would not result in unacceptable impacts. Photographs of rear gardens were shown, demonstrating limited visibility. The presence of obscure‑glazed windows in facing elevations was noted and the removal of permitted development rights for roof alterations was proposed.

The Lead Project Officer explained that the creation of new parking spaces would lead to some loss of off‑street parking, but this was not regarded as significant. Flood risk concerns had also been raised. Flood zone mapping for the wider area was shown, and it was confirmed that the application site itself was not identified as being at risk of flooding. The development would incorporate permeable paving and a soakaway chamber to manage surface water. It was noted that the Council could not demonstrate a five‑year housing land supply and that the tilted balance therefore applied.

Public representation was received in objection to the application from Tim Weaver, Sue Eaton and Cllr Helen Fookes, representing Sturminster Parish Council. The objections to the application included the overdevelopment of the area, which would impact the character of the road and worsen flooding issues on Newton Road and that the proposed bungalows would be out of keeping with the existing semi-detached properties in the area.

David McDonald, the applicant, spoke in support of the application. He noted that he would also be the builder of the development and would therefore ensure that the building work did not significantly impact the neighbours by controlling times of working, deliveries and parking.

The Lead Project Officer clarified that the previous application on the site was refused for the amenity impacts on future occupiers rather than any impacts on neighbouring properties and that the application site was outside of the flood risk area.

In response to members questions the Lead Project Officer confirmed that the inability to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply was a material consideration in the application. In addition, it was proposed in the recommendation that Permitted Development Rights be removed from the bungalows, to prevent any further extensions into the roof space.

It was proposed by Cllr Flower and seconded by Cllr Brenton that the application be granted.

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