Agenda item

The application was for the construction of a single storey front extension and part single, part two storey side and rear extension, basement and front porch extension, and loft extension following demolition of the existing conservatory.  The application had been called in by Batchworth Community Council who had cited concerns in respect of over development and the scale of the proposed extensions.

Representatives of Batchworth Community Council , Moor Park (1958) Ltd and Ward Councillor Reena Ranger spoke against the proposals. Concerns were expressed about the fact the proposed development was out of scale with the surrounding area and did not meet the guidelines set out in the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal.  Furthermore, it was considered that allowing the application would be detrimental to the openness of the area’s character and would result the slow erosion of conservation policies.

The Committee was informed that further comments had been received from Moor Park 1958 Ltd objecting to the development, specifically in relation to plot coverage.  In addition, the proposed elevations had been corrected to accurately depict the ridgeline of the 2013 consented scheme and therefore conditions 2 and 4 had been updated to refer to plan reference 3K rather than the 3J stated in the report.  Details of the paving materials to be used on the sunken garden were awaited however these would include a stone retaining wall that matched the house.  Condition 5(Materials) could be updated to include specific reference if the Committee considered it appropriate.

It was confirmed that the proposed development would result in a frontage that was 80% of the plot width and1.5m from the boundary and was compliant with limits set out in planning guidance.  It was acknowledged that whilst the proposed development would exceed the 15% plot coverage set out in the conservation area appraisal the bulk of the extensions would be to the rear of the property and it was considered that substantial harm would not be caused to the spacious open nature of the conservation area.

It was agreed that Condition 5 would be updated to include details of the materials that would be used for the construction of the sunken garden.

The officer recommendation to approve the application, subject to the amendments set out above was proposed by Councillor Matthew Bedford, seconded by Councillor Steve Drury, put to the vote and carried.

The voting in respect of the recommendations was For 6, Against 2 and Abstaining 1.

RESOLVED that Planning Application 23/0698/FUL be approved.

NOTE – Amended Conditions 2, 4 and 5:

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 5182/PL001/Rev I, 5182/PL002/REV N, 5182/PL003/REV K, 5182/PL/005 REV E and 5182/PL/LP REV B.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the proper interests of planning and to safeguard the character and appearance of the Conservation Area in accordance with Policies CP1, CP9, CP10 and CP12 of the Core Strategy (adopted October 2011), Policies DM1, DM3, DM6, DM8, DM13 and Appendices 2 and 5 of the Development Management Policies LDD (adopted July 2013) and the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal (2006).

Before the first use of the ground floor level patio hereby permitted, timber close-boarded screening (or a similar solid screen) to a height of 1.8 metres shall be installed along the depth of the patio as shown on approved plans 5182/PL001 Rev I and 5182/PL003 Rev K. Once erected, the screening shall be permanently maintained as such thereafter in terms of its siting, height and design.

Reason: To safeguard the amenities of the occupiers of No. 7 and No. 11 Russell Road in accordance with Policies CP1 and CP12 of the Core Strategy (adopted October 2011) and Policy DM1 and Appendix 2 of the Development Management Policies LDD (adopted July 2013).

Before any building operations above ground level hereby permitted are commenced, a schedule of samples and details of the proposed external materials (inclusive but not limited to the Mock Tudor detailing, roof tiles, windows and doors, bricks and render, sunken garden, retaining walls and paving) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and no external materials shall be used other than those approved.

Reason: To prevent the building being constructed in inappropriate materials in accordance with Policies CP1 and CP12 of the Core Strategy (adopted October 2011), Policies DM1, DM3 and Appendix 2 of the Development Management Policies LDD (adopted July 2013) and the Moor Park Conservation Area Appraisal (2006).