Issue - meetings

Construction of a first floor side extension; insertion of rooflights; installation of two AC units on the ground floor; alterations to external materials including render, wall tiles and roof tiles and replacement of block paved driveway at 35 Bedford Road, Moor Park, Northwood.

Recommendation: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

The application was for construction of a first floor side extension; insertion of rooflights; installation of two AC units on the ground floor; alterations to external materials including render, wall tiles and roof tiles and replacement of block paved driveway at 35 Bedford Road, Moor Park, Northwood.

The application was before the Committee as it had been called in by Batchworth Community Council unless officers were minded to refuse the application, for the reasons set out in the report.

The Planning Officer provided updates as follows:

·         The plan numbers shown at Condition 2 required updating following receipt of an amended plan which clarified the position of the retention of an existing chimney.

·         Confirmation had been received from Moor Park (1958) Limited and Batchworth Community Council following agenda publication that they had removed their objections in light of the amendments received. 

·         Policy BW CC4 of the Batchworth Neighbourhood Plan was relevant to the application in relation to the paving of the front gardens.  Whilst the proposal did include the replacement of hard surfacing it was not proposed to increase its overall extent. Additionally, condition 3 required the submission of further details of the proposed materials for the hard surfacing which would include details of permeability.  Accordingly, officers were satisfied that the requirements of the policy had been met.  It was also considered that the scheme complied with policy BW DE1 in respect of design.

Given that the building would occupy 87.5% of the plot width and would result in an overall plot coverage of 20% - both of which exceeded the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal guidelines - it was suggested that permitted development rights (potentially Class A and Class E) be removed, in order to prevent over-development.  Officers undertook to assess the position with regard to the property, and to circulate details of proposed wording to Committee Members prior to the decision being issued.

Councillor Lloyd moved, and Councillor King seconded, approval of the application subject to updating of Condition 2 and agreement of wording to remove permitted development rights for Classes A and E.  On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: that planning permission be approved subject to updating of Condition 2 and agreement of wording to remove permitted development rights for Classes A and E.