Issue - meetings

The Committee considered a retrospective application to vary condition 2 (approved drawings) and condition 3 (materials to match existing) of PLAN/2018/0365.(Retrospective application for amendments to PLAN/2017/0409 Proposed erection of a two storey rear extension, first floor western flank elevation window, single storey side extension, front infill porch extension and replacement of existing flat roof over garage with 2 hipped gables roof, front extension to the garage and garage conversion to habitable accommodation relating to a single-storey infill extension between the approved side extension and the approved rear extension).

Councillor Ashall, Ward Councillor spoke in support of the Officers’ recommendations set out in the report, while expressing empathy with the applicant’s personal circumstances, it was highlighted that the combination of the dwelling’s external materials of entirely white renderi,grey framed windows and doors and grey concrete roof tiles posed an unacceptable impact on the traditional character of Wych Hill Lane’s street scene.

Clarification was sought on the time frame whilst considering the application.  The Planning Officer confirmed that the Enforcement Officer had been in communication with the applicant since November last year.

Councillor Morales and Councillor Aziz spoke in support of the application and thought that the design was of an acceptable standard.   It was underlined that similar planning applications had been approved by the Committee previously and some members felt that consistency would need to be retained whilst considering applications.

Attention was drawn to the area having a mix of contemporary and traditional dwellings and that the area was not listed as a conservation area. 

The Planning Officer prompted members that the timeline of 6 months would begin from the date that notice is served, furthermore if the applicant submitted amended plans within the notice timed served, the time would be paused. The Officer also informed the Committee that enforcement action was no longer being sought against the two first floor windows in the east elevation as the applicant had provided the Officer with photographs demonstrating that they were both obscurely glazed and non-opening so the Officer was of the view that they do not create overlooking

Councillor Ashall proposed and it was seconded that the compliance period with the recommended enforcement notice be increased to 12 months.

Majority of members agreed to the compliance period being extended to 12 months for the enforcement notice.

Councillor Morales asked for it to be noted that she was not in support of the recommended recommendations.

            RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused and enforcement proceedings be authorised with a compliance period of 12 months