Issue - meetings

Sub-division of site; construction of two storey detached dwelling, including basement level, solar panels, access, parking and landscaping works at Meldon, Chenies Road, Chorleywood.

Recommendation: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

The application was for sub-division of site and construction of a two storey detached dwelling including basement level, solar panels, access, parking and landscaping works at Meldon, Chenies Road, Chorleywood.

The application was before the Committee as it had been called in by Chorleywood Parish Council for being inappropriate in the Green Belt, out of character with the Chorleywood Common Conservation Area, overbearing in neighbouring properties and that it would increase the level of surface water flooding.

Parish Councillor Jon Bishop of Chorleywood Parish Council spoke against the application.

A local resident spoke against the application.

Committee Members asked questions about the detail of the application which were responded to by officers.  The Committee’s discussions included the following:

·        The soft landscaping condition required details to be provided but could be amended to require a full soft landscaping scheme to be provided, potentially including a mix of evergreen and deciduous planting. It was acknowledged that the soft landscaping screening the development from neighbouring properties would take time to mature. 

·        There was potential for the soft landscaping on the boundary to have a detrimental impact on the light levels to neighbouring properties.

·        In view of the concerns expressed, and the potential impact to neighbouring properties, it was recommended that a site visit be undertaken.  This would also assist members in assessing the context of the wider area and forming a view as to whether or not the proposal represented limited infilling in a village and what degree of harm, if any, may be caused to the Green Belt.

·        Officers were asked to seek an update from the Conservation Officer in relation to the new plans before the application came back to the committee.

Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Gazzard seconded, that the application be deferred to allow for a site visit.  On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: that the application be deferred to allow for a site visit.