Agenda item

Recommendation: Conditional approval subject to legal agreement.

Proposal: Full application for the proposed erection of 1no. two bedroom

dwelling.

Applicant: Mr P Stelling

The Committee considered a report about this application, set out in agenda pages 341 to 378.

The Committee were advised that updates contained within the supplementary planning agenda included:

·         Noting of two additional letters of support from residents;

·         Noting of an additional letter of concern received from a resident;

·         Additional comments from the Council’s compliance officer regarding potential contamination at the site;

·         Additional condition 14 with regards to land affected by contamination, and minor amendment of condition 5 to make reference to condition 14.

Nicholas Cobbold, agent, spoke in support of the application. Nicholas felt that the site was one of the more obvious residential plots that he had come across, being vacant land within an existing built-up area with established access. Due process had been followed, starting with a pre-application resulting in a single storey bungalow proposal. Nicholas stated that concern had been raised over the impact on the character of the area, however the character of the area had not been defined alongside these objections. Nicholas stated that the area was of mixed use and of mixed built form. London Road contained bungalows, some with loft conversions, with properties operating as commercial units. Proctors Road to the rear was characterised by two-storey dwellings, and the application was designed to fit into the London Road development. The single-storey nature of the development would mean that it could not overlook neighbouring properties. Nicholas stated that the immediate neighbours had not objected to the scheme, and had in fact supported the development. Highways officers had not objected to the scheme, and Nicholas asked that the Committee approve the application.

Wayne Smith queried if the entrance would be located to the side of the existing property, in line with number 73 Proctors Road. Simon Taylor, planning officer, stated that the access was existing and provided access to the building at the rear including a dwelling which was issued a certificate in 2017, and an unlawful workshop which had a current enforcement case to regularise the use. The land subject to this application was vacant land which previously existed behind number 306 London Road, with the access created ten to fifteen years ago when the owner of number 304 bought all of the land to facilitate a workshop and other uses. Access was always existing, and no changes were proposed. Such a back land development would ordinarily be opposed as it did not meet policy TB06, however there was no introduction of side lanes with this application as they already existed, and it conformed with the rhythm and pattern of development of the area.

Rebecca Margetts queried if there was access in emergencies to the property in the event of issues with the nearby commercial building. Simon Taylor stated that the commercial unit was unlawful, and an enforcement case was underway to attempt to regularise its use. The building was very well contained and low scale, and there would be very little conflict in terms of vehicles.

Stephen Conway proposed that the application be approved, subject to the officer recommendation. This was seconded by Andrew Mickleburgh.

RESOLVED That application number 222556 be approved, subject to conditions and informatives as set out in agenda pages 355 to 359, amendment to condition 5 and additional condition 14 as set out within the supplementary planning agenda, and subject to legal agreement.