Agenda item

The Committee considered an application to demolish the existing dwelling’s garage and first floor side extension and erect a two-storey front extension and single-storey rear extension leading onto a proposed rear patio with stairs down into its rear garden. The roof form was proposed to be altered to a flat roof with some accommodation in it. The application also proposed to re-clad the dwelling with white render, timber and grey brick. Fenestration alterations were also proposed including all windows to have black aluminium frames. The altered dwelling would result in the uplift of an additional bedroom, giving it five bedrooms.

The plot was proposed to be subdivided and a new two-storey five-bedroom flat roofed dwelling was proposed to the side of the altered existing dwelling. It would also have a rear patio with stairs down into its rear garden as well as an exterior material palette of white render, timber and grey brick. It was proposed to have a basement garage.

The Planning Officer confirmed no further written representations had been received since the report was published. The details of representations received were detailed in the report.

Councillor L Lyons, Ward Councillor, spoke in objection to the application and advised the Committee a number of people had contacted him with concerns regarding the design and size of the building particularly relating to privacy issues in regards to the elevated ground levels. Councillor L Lyons also commented that he did not think the design was in keeping with the neighbouring properties.

Cllr Lyons requested that, if the application was approved, there be a condition preventing the flat roof areas being converted for use as balconies.

Cllr L Lyons proposed and it was duly seconded by Cllr S Hussain that the application should be refused based on size, mass, bulk and design not in keeping with neighbouring properties, and contrary to CS21.

A number of Members supported the concerns that Councillor L Lyons had raised. A Member of the Committee commented that the application was an innovative design and asked that the Planning Officer clarify whether there would be significant overlooking issues. The Planning Officer confirmed that if the application was approved there would be a Condition regarding the first floor side windows and above, where it was required for them to be obscurely glazed and non-opening. Also given the elevation of the site and proposal for an outside patio area on both properties, there would be a condition regarding privacy screens to prevent overlooking to the two properties proposed and to numbers 5 & 7 Friars Rise. The Planning Officer confirmed that they were satisfied that there would not be any unacceptable overlooking issues towards neighbours.

A number of Members agreed that it was an innovative design but thought the plot required something more modest and in keeping with existing buildings.

In accordance with Standing Order 22.2, the Chairman deemed that a division should be taken on the motion above.  The votes for and against refusal of the application were recorded as follows.

In favour:                           Cllrs S Ashall, T Aziz,  A J Boote, G Elson, S Hussain, L Lyons and N Martin.

                                 TOTAL:  7

Against:                              None

                                 TOTAL:  0

Present but not voting:      Cllrs G Chrystie (Chairman) and L Morales.

                                 TOTAL:  2

The application was therefore refused.

RESOLVED that planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in these minutes.