Meeting documents

Erection of a new dwelling and garage (revised design to that approved 15/04460/FUL)

(Having declared a personal and pecuniary interest, Councillor Henry Hobhouse left the room during the discussion of this item)

The Planning Officer confirmed, that with the Chairman’s permission, that he was going to present agenda items 15 and 16 together. He made it clear that although outline permission was granted for 3 dwellings on one site, that the site had now been separated into 3 units and that 2 of which were being considered at the meeting. The 2 units had different owners and different planning agents and would need to be considered separately.

Using a PowerPoint presentation, he provided images of the proposed plans and photographs of the site. He pointed out that the design of the houses was different to the design which had been approved and that the dimensions of the dwellings had been reduced. He advised members that it was his suggestion that the planning application be approved.

Pek Peppin, representing Castle Cary Town Council addressed the Committee. She explained to members that the site was not in the area of growth and that the original application for these houses had been supported for one reason only, which was the unique design of the houses which were proposed to be Hanse Haus dwellings. Hanes Haus dwellings are high efficient and as they are pre-fabricated, would cause little disruption to neighbours. She further pointed out that the original proposal was for 3 houses of similar and matching design. She was disappointed that the current proposal was for modern looking houses with amended window arrangements and amended fenestration. She hoped that the application would be refused.

Mr C Hurd, spoke in objection to the application. He explained that the amended application was no longer in-keeping with the surrounding area. He expressed concern over the disruption which would be caused and the time it would take to build the houses. He raised further concern over the windows which would overlook dwellings.

Mr J Nuth, the agent acting for plot 1, explained that the proposal was still for a timber framed house and pointed out there were no restrictions within the approval to restrict construction techniques He pointed out that the proposed dwellings were of traditional design and not a modern design. He also clarified that the roof height at the position closest to the neighbour’s boundaries are no higher than what was approved.  He pointed out that the windows which were facing existing properties were roof lights and would not cause a loss of privacy.

Councillor Nick Weeks, Chairman and Ward Member, advised members that the Town Council had felt let down by the application as they had previously supported the unique Hanse Haus dwellings. He advised that the current applications were very different and now had concern over the window positions.

Mr S Cooper, the owner of plot 2, advised members that the 3 windows which overlook existing properties would be obscured and fixed shut.

During the discussion, the overlooking issue was discussed, however it was clarified that a condition had been included to ensure the windows on plot 3 were obscured and fixed shut on plot 2.

It was proposed and seconded that planning application 17/01659/FUL be approved as per the officers report. On being put to the vote this was carried 7 votes in support, with 1 against.

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/01659/FUL be approved as per the officer report for the following reason;

01.       The proposal, by reason of its location, represents appropriate infill adjacent to the development area and is therefore sustainable development in accordance with the aims of objectives of policy SS1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

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: P-02 and P-03 received 10 April 2017.

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

03.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no windows/dormer windows other than those expressly authorised by this permission shall be constructed.

Reason: In the interests of neighbour amenity further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028

04.       Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, foul and surface water drainage details to serve the development, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and such approved drainage details shall be completed and become fully operational before the development hereby permitted is first brought into use. Following its installation such approved scheme shall be permanently retained and maintained thereafter.

Reason: In the interests of neighbour amenity further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

05.       Prior to commencement full particulars detailing the layout of the natural stone boundary walls bordering the access road, their appearance, including that of the gate piers, use of materials, including a sample panel to show coursing and pointing, shall be submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such details as shall be agreed shall be undertaken as part of the development and thereafter retained and shall not be removed or otherwise altered.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity, character and appearance and for the avoidance of doubt further to Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

06.       No development hereby approved shall be carried out until particulars of following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority:-

a.         details of materials (including the provision of samples where appropriate) to be used for the external walls and roofs;

b.         details of the internal finished ground floor levels

Once approved such details shall be fully implemented unless agreed otherwise in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To safeguard the character and appearance of the area in accordance with Policy EQ2 and EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

(Voting: 7 in support and 1 against)