Issue - decisions

With reference to the tabled supplementary information, the Planning Manager Geoff Hewlett informed the Committee about an additional letter of objection from Barnhill Residents’ Association reiterating its members’ concerns about the works not being implemented in accordance with the approved plans and their suspicion that the house was likely to be converted into flats.  He stated that the issues raised by the Association had been dealt with in the main report.  He clarified the description of the proposal by correcting the description to the "erection of two-storey, end-of-terrace dwellinghouse with single storey rear extension and front porch, installation of vehicle access, provision of car-parking, refuse storage to front and landscaping to site”.

Mrs Patricia Marcar objected to the proposed development on grounds of its massing, density, loss of outlook, views and sunlight and parking problems.  She added that the proposal would follow the undesirable precedent set at No. 63 Beverley Gardens which was noted for its unauthorised use.

In responding to the issues raised about possible conversion into flats, the Head of Area Planning Steve Weeks stated that the layout of the floor plans did not suggest that the property would be converted into flats and that planning permission would be required for a change of use from a single family dwellinghouse.  He added that the change of use of this property to flats would be unacceptable as it would fail to comply with the Council's policies for flat conversions in heavily parked streets which required a minimum original floor area of 140sqm.  He continued that, aware of the unauthorised works which were currently taking place at No. 63 Beverley Gardens, enforcement action had been authorised for both the unauthorised conversion of the property into four self-the Head of Area Planning stated that whilst concerns over the impact of development were noted, on balance the scheme was considered an acceptable response to providing much-needed family housing without causing harm to either the character of the area or the amenity of neighbouring and future occupants.

In the discussion that followed, Councillor Cummins moved an amendment for a site visit in order to assess the impact of the development at the site and at No. 63 Beverley Gardens on amenities.  This was put to the vote and was declared carried.