Issue - meetings

Part single, part two-storey rear extensions, front porch alterations; alterations to roof to allow habitable accommodation including removal of chimney and increase in ridge height, rear dormers and roof lights; alterations to fenestration and internal alterations; construction of two-stepped rear patio area; construction of basement; alteration of existing garage to allow use as part garage, part annexe, including extension to existing garage and roof alterations to allow for habitable accommodation including increase in ridge height, dormers and roof lights; erection of an outbuilding to the rear at Banstead Down, Old Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth.

Recommendation: That planning permission be granted.

The application was for part single, part two-storey rear extensions, front porch alterations; alterations to roof to allow habitable accommodation including removal of chimney and increase in ridge height, rear dormers and roof lights; alterations to fenestration and internal alterations; construction of two-stepped rear patio area; construction of basement; alteration of existing garage to allow use as part garage, part annexe, including extension to existing garage and roof alterations to allow for habitable accommodation including increase in ridge height, dormers and roof lights; erection of an outbuilding to the rear at Banstead Down, Old Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth.

The application had been deferred from the last meeting to allow for a site visit.  Two additional drawings had subsequently been supplied by the applicant’s agent which aimed to clarify the change in built form between the existing and proposed development.

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

·        The proposal would involve the removal of some trees, including one Western Red Cedar which was not subject to a Tree Protection Order.

·        The outbuilding exceeded the tolerances for permitted development.  Therefore, external alterations to it would not be permissible without planning permission.

·        For the reasons set out in section 7.2.7 of the report, officers did not consider that there would be any demonstrable harmful overlooking or overshadowing to neighbours.  Whilst there would be some impact on neighbouring amenity arising from overlooking or overshadowing, the level was judged by officers to be acceptable.

·        Permitted development rights for further outbuildings at the site could be removed if Members considered this to be reasonable and necessary for the development.

Councillor Hearn moved, and Councillor Gazzard seconded, approval of the application subject to conditions including the removal of permitted development rights under Class E of the General Permitted Development Order.  On being put to the vote this was agreed, the voting being 7 for, 0 against, 4 abstentions.

RESOLVED: that the application be approved subject to conditions including the removal of permitted development rights under Class E of the General Permitted Development Order.