Issue - meetings

Part Retrospective: demolition of semi-detached dwelling and erection of a semi-detached two-storey replacement dwelling including associated landscaping, hardstanding and installation of heat pump at 90 Valley Walk, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth.

Recommendation: that part retrospective planning permission be approved subject to conditions.

Councillor Mitchell left the meeting whilst this application was considered and did not participate in the debate or vote.

The application was part retrospective for demolition of a semi-detached dwelling and erection of a semi-detached two-storey replacement dwelling including associated landscaping, hardstanding and installation of a heat pump at 90 Valley Walk, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth.

A local resident spoke against the application.

Councillor Sian spoke on the application.

Parish Councillor Guy Parks of Croxley Green Parish Council spoke on the application.

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

·        As set out in the report, the Planning Officer was of the view that three cars could not be accommodated on the frontage.  The acceptability of the application was based on two parking spaces and the one parking space shortfall was considered to be acceptable;

·        Committee Members acknowledged the impact which the scale of demolition of the pre-existing dwelling had had on neighbours and nearby residents;

·        Officers were asked to review the recommended conditions against those which had been suggested by the speaker from the Parish Council, to consider adding any which were not already included if they were within the purview of the planning authority, with final wording for conditions to be circulated to the Committee for agreement;

·        It was noted that the applicant was proposing to use external materials which were not considered to be in keeping with the surrounding properties.  Committee Members recommended that only materials which matched the remainder of the terrace should be permitted.  It was agreed that the applicant should be asked to provide a schedule of materials in order that officers could assess whether these would be acceptable in terms of the character and appearance of the street scene.  If not, and if the applicant declined to change materials where requested, the application would need to be brought back to the Committee.

Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Lloyd seconded, that the decision be delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services to make any minor amendments necessary to the planning conditions and grant part retrospective planning permission subject to agreement by the applicant of external materials to be used.  On being put to the vote this was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED: that the decision be delegated to the Head of Regulatory Services to make any minor amendments necessary to the planning conditions and grant part retrospective planning permission subject to agreement by the applicant of external materials to be used.