Planning Application
– (i) 1no building to include
4no. flats (following demolition of existing dwelling), (ii) new
vehicular access and parking, (iii) replacement of existing
boundary fences and (iv) insertion of dropped kerb.
The application was referred to the
Development Control Committee at the request of the Delegation
Panel. The matter was presented before the Delegation Panel as the
Town Council had raised objections, which was contrary to the
Officer recommendation of approval, subject to conditions, as set
out in paragraph 33 of Report No: DEV/SE/17/040.
The Planning Officer explained that the
application before the Committee sought the erection of one
building to accommodate four flats, new vehicular access and
parking and insertion of dropped kerb. The application proposed to
demolish the existing house and build in its place a small, two
storey development of four one bedroom flats. During the course of
the application the Agent had reduced the width of the building to
provide a more harmonious relationship in the setting of the
existing site. The number of flats had also been reduced from five
(4 x two bed and 1 x one bed) to 2 x one bed units and 2 x two bed
units.
A Member site visit was held prior to the
meeting. Representations had been received from Haverhill Town
Council and neighbouring properties citing objections listed in
paragraphs 8 and 9 of the report.
As part of his presentation the Officer
explained that the applicant had agreed to provide a new pedestrian
footway on the southern side of Francis Close on the opposite side
of the highway to No. 5 which would link to the existing footpath.
The existing bollard at the end of Francis Close would be
re-positioned to provide for parking and manoeuvring space.
Speakers: Grace Cutts (neighbour) spoke against the application
Councillor Barry Robbins (Ward Member: Haverhill North)
spoke against the application
Rachel Moses (Agent) spoke in support of the application
The Case Officer also read out a statement
submitted by Haverhill Town Council against the application.
During discussion a number of Members raised
concerns on the application in relation to; vehicular access to the
site, the lack of off-street car parking in the area and the size
of the proposed dwellings.
The Officer responded to the concerns and
clarified that:
·
The Highways Authority had submitted no objections to the
application in relation to vehicular access to the site.
·
The proposal would provide an additional four car parking spaces
and would retain the garage associated with the property to
accommodate secure cycle storage.
·
The Council had not yet adopted their own enforceable space
standard. Policy DM22 did however require new housing to be fit for
purpose and function well, providing adequate space, light and
privacy and Officers were of the opinion that the dwellings met the
policy requirement.
Some Members were, however, in agreement that
the proposed dwellings were considered as affordable housing in an
area where there was a shortage of that type of housing.
Councillor John Burns ...
view the full minutes text for item 4.