Agenda item

With reference to the tabled supplementary information, the Planning Manager Andy Bates clarified the actual increase in height adding that in general, the proposed height of GEKO House would be approximately 3.3m lower than Kimberley Court and approximately 1m lower than the main roof of the top flats of Hoopers Yard. He also referred to a further letter of support from the applicant’s agent.

Mr David Keighley objected to the proposed development on the following grounds:

            Loss of privacy

            Loss of security

            Overbearing

            Inadequate parking facilities

            Detrimental impact on residential amenities.

Ms Xenia Wall an objector stated that there was no material difference between this and a previous application that was refused by the Committee.  She continued that the proposal which she considered to be an over-development of the site would lead to over-looking, loss of privacy and loss of daylight to living areas of her property. Ms Wall felt that she had not been given adequate information on the changes to the plans for a proposal which would generate an increase in traffic and associated parking problems.

Mr Julian Sutton the applicant’s agent stated that the proposal which complied with Supplementary Planning Guidance 17 (SPG 17) would have significant benefits including sustainability.  He added that none of the windows would overlook other properties and therefore claims about loss of privacy and security were both unfounded and misplaced.

In addressing some of the issues raised, Andy Bates informed the Committee that the location of the windows coupled with obscure glazing would overcome the possibility of overlooking and loss of privacy.  He added that changes to the scheme had resulted in less impact and enhanced the relationship of the proposal with other properties in the area.  He confirmed that the proposal complied with SPG 17.

During discussion Councillor Baker expressed an opinion that there were inconsistencies in the plans and moved an amendment for deferral to enable interested parties to be re-consulted.  In response to that Steve Weeks stated that amendments made to the scheme were not substantial and did not raise new adverse issues to warrant formal re-consultation with neighbours.

Note: Councillor Green declared that he lived close to the application site address.  He therefore left the meeting room and took no part in the discussion or voting on this application.