Agenda item

To consider an application for the erection of a detached two storey self-build dwellinghouse and garage.

RESOLVED

That planning application 2024/1223/FUL be APPROVED as a departure to the development plan Policy DP24, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, as the scheme was deemed to be in a sustainable location with no adverse impacts identified. The Committee also gave weight to the fact that the dwelling would be  constructed and occupied as a self-build unit.

That delegated authority be given to Officers to issue the permission subject to advertising the application as a departure, the prior completion of a S106 Agreement to ensure that the dwelling is constructed and occupied as a self-build unit and the imposition of necessary planning conditions.

Votes – 9 for, 1 against.

The Officer’s Report stated that the application had been referred to the Planning Committee at the request of the Vice Chair, following referral.

The recommendation for refusal was due to the application failing to meet the criteria of a self-build application in Policy DP24. Therefore, this would result in a dwelling in the countryside where development is strictly controlled. This would lead to unjustified encroachment and would not be sustainable due to the distance to and accessibility of local services and facilities.

There had been 6 letters of support from local residents and none in objection. Supportive comments included:

• No impact on existing properties
• Will allow a family to stay in the area
• It would contribute to the local community
• The family grew up locally and have strong links
• Living near older parents will benefit both households

The Planning Officer explained the application to the Committee with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation.

The applicant spoke in support of his application. He made the following comments:

• He felt he did comply with the requirements of a self-build application and was very keen to do a self-build.
• He has lived at Chewton Fields for many years and did meet the criteria of Policy DP24.
• He wishes to provide a family home and be able to live near his parents to give them the support they need as they age.
• There is full support for the application from the Parish Council and local residents.
• There is a bus stop nearby with a regular service. There would be no increase in the use of private vehicles as he already lives on site.
• The house will be built to high eco standards with solar panels, air source heat pumps and he would be more than happy to enter into a S106 agreement.

In the brief discussion which followed, Members were supportive of the application. They noted that the location appeared to be sustainable and the design was in keeping with the locality. There were no adverse impacts. They were keen to ensure that the approval would be as a self-build.

The Legal Advisor suggested that, as the application did not comply with Policy DP24, the application would need to be advertised as a departure from the development plan. In addition, there would need to be a S106 Agreement to secure the dwelling as a self-build unit.

Members were happy with this suggestion and Councillor Edric Hobbs proposed to approve the application, contrary to the Officer’s Recommendation with the addition of a S106 agreement to secure the application as a self-build. This was seconded by Councillor Ros Wyke.

On being put to the vote the proposal was carried with 9 votes in favour and 1 against.

RESOLVED

That planning application 2024/1223/FUL be APPROVED as a departure to the development plan Policy DP24, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, as the scheme was deemed to be in a sustainable location with no adverse impacts identified. The Committee also gave weight to the fact that the dwelling would be  constructed and occupied as a self-build unit.

That delegated authority be given to Officers to issue the permission subject to advertising the application as a departure, the prior completion of a S106 Agreement to ensure that the dwelling is constructed and occupied as a self-build unit and the imposition of necessary planning conditions.

Votes – 9 for, 1 against.