Agenda item

[NOTE: In accordance with the procedure for public speaking at Planning Committee, Mr Andrew Grimshaw attended the meeting and spoke in objection to the application and Mr Ray Freeland spoke in support.]

The Committee considered an application which sought permission to demolish the existing dwelling and detached garage, to erect a building containing five flats with associated parking and amenity space, and to relocate the vehicular access to Lincoln Drive. The scheme had been amended during the course of the application in order to reduce the impact to the Lincoln Drive street scene and to the protected trees fronting Old Woking Road. As part of this the originally proposed seven flats had been reduced to five, the footprint of the proposed building reduced, and the proposed access arrangements reconfigured.

Following a query from the Chairman the Planning Officer confirmed that seventy eight objections had been received to the original scheme and a further forty seven objections following the amendments. One representation of support had been received.

Councillor G Elson, Ward Councillor, supported many of the concerns raised by residents including the inadequate off-street parking provision. Councillor G Elson commented that he did not think enough weight had been given to the Pyrford Neighbourhood Plan policies B1, B2 and B3.

Councillor L Morales queried whether, if the application was approved by the Committee, a condition could be added which required the third floor windows in the rear extension to be obscure glazed to prevent overlooking. Planning Officers Confirmed that this condition would be acceptable if deemed necessary by the Committee. Members agreed that this condition would be added if the application was approved.

Some Members commented that they liked the design, as it was not immediately obvious that it was a block of flats and that it looked like one dwelling which was in keeping with the street scene. Members noted that the application building was smaller than the nursing home on the neighbouring plot and for that reason thought that the concerns regarding any overbearing affect or bulk and mass, were not founded and that the development would be in keeping with the character of the area.

Members thought that it was a positive change that the entrance had been moved to the side and the Highway Authority had raised no objection to this.

Members noted that the smaller flats provided in this development would give residents in Pyrford the opportunity to downsize if they wished to.

In accordance with Standing Order 22.2, the Chairman deemed that a division should be taken on the recommendation in the Planning Officers report.  The votes for and against approval of the application were recorded as follows.

In favour:                           Cllrs S Ashall, T Aziz, A Boote, S Hussain and L Morales.

                                 TOTAL:  5

Against:                              Cllr Elson

                                 TOTAL:  1

Present but not voting:      Cllrs G Chrystie and L Lyons.

                                 TOTAL:  2

The application was therefore approved.

RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions, the additional condition noted in these minutes and Section 106 legal agreement.