Meeting documents

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda report.  With the aid of a power point presentation he showed the site, relevant buildings and aerial views. He advised the committee that the informative on page 113 of the agenda report should have the words ‘hereby approved’ removed. The officer confirmed that his recommendation was to approve the application which was solely for repairs and external alterations and not for a change of use.

Mr J Biddlecombe and Mr P Fletcher both spoke in opposition to the application, and voiced their concern about the increased vehicular activity if approved, and felt that a traffic enforcement plan would be required whilst work was being carried out. The privacy of the adjoining property would be jeopardised and if approved the external door should be fitted with obscure glass.

Mr G House the applicant said that he had tried to screen the view of the neighbouring property by placing trellis at an angle. He acknowledged that the nearby junction was awkward but would be made worse if the garage was actually used as a garage.

Ward Member Cllr Nick Weeks voiced his concern that the application could in effect turn the garage into a semi-detached property and could have an impact on the neighbour’s amenity.

Ward Member Cllr Henry Hobhouse noted that the property had at one time been one property and if approved a condition should be included to soundproof the adjoining party wall.

In response to the chairman asking the members of the public if an officer or councillor had made a misstatement, one person said that one of the photos had been taken when the road had been unduly quiet, he disagreed with the applicant when he said that he didn’t usually park on the road.

The Area Lead East explained that ancillary use could include a granny annexe as long as there were no external changes and was less than 4 metres high and would not require planning approval.

During a short discussion the issue of the use of extra sound insulation was raised; a suggestion was made to use opaque glass in the external door and roof lights and any trellis/fence should be of a light colour.

The applicant indicated that he would be happy to address the sound issue.

A proposal was made and seconded to approve the application as per the officer’s recommendation plus 2 additional conditions:

·         Prior to the commencement of development details of noise attenuation measures to the party wall shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Once approved such measures shall be fully implemented prior to the occupation of the ancillary accommodation and shall be maintained at all times thereafter.

·         Prior to the commencement of development the new rear door to the ancillary occupation shall be fitted with obscure glass which shall be maintained at all times thereafter.

On being put to the vote the motion was carried 6 in favour and 2 abstentions.

RESOLVED: That Planning Application 14/03456/FUL be approved as per the officers recommendation for the following reason plus 2 additional conditions:

01.       The proposal, by reason of its size, scale and materials, respects the character of the conservation area, and causes no demonstrable harm to residential amenity or highway safety in accordance with the aims and objectives of Policies EH1, ST6 and ST5 of the South Somerset Local Plan (Adopted April 2006) and the aims and provisions of the NPPF.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1323/02 received 04 August 2014

            Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

03.       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be those as identified within the planning application and no other materials unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason:  In the interests of visual amenity and to comply with Policies EH1 and ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan (Adopted April 2006).

04.       No work shall be carried out on site unless details of the design, materials and external finish for all new doors, windows, boarding and openings have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such approved details, once carried out shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  In the interests of visual amenity and to comply with Policies EH1 and ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan (Adopted April 2006).

05.       No work shall be carried out on site unless details of the trellis/screen have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such approved details once carried out shall not be altered without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  In the interests of residential amenity and to comply with Policies ST5 and ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan (Adopted April 2006).

06.       Prior to the commencement of development details of noise attenuation measures to the party wall shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Once approved such measures shall be fully implemented prior to the occupation of the ancillary accommodation and shall be maintained at all times thereafter.

Reason – In the interests of residential amenity in accordance with saved policy ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

07.        Prior to the commencement of development the new rear door to the ancillary occupation shall be fitted with obscure glass which shall be maintained at all times thereafter.

Reason – In the interests of residential amenity in accordance with saved policy ST6 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

Informatives:

01.       The applicant is reminded that this application was made on the basis of 'householder' development. As such, it should be noted that the accommodation should only be used as domestic accommodation ancillary to the residential use of the house known as Limestones.

The use of the accommodation as a separate residential property, holiday let, or any purpose not ancillary to Limestones will require the approval of a further application for planning permission.

(Voting: 6 in favour: 2 abstentions)