Agenda item

Report No: DEV/SE/17/043

Householder Planning Application - conversion of bungalow to two storey dwelling including single storey rear extension and part two storey / part single storey front extension

Householder Planning Application – conversion of bungalow to two storey dwelling including single storey rear extension and part two storey / part single storey front extension.

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee following consideration of the Delegation Panel at the request of the local Ward Member and because the Parish Council objected to the application which was contrary to the Officer recommendation of approval.

Planning permission was sought for the conversion of a bungalow to a two storey dwelling which included a single storey rear extension and a part two storey / part single storey front extension. The proposal would create three first floor bedrooms, a bathroom and a study / bedroom four. The rear section of the existing integral garage would be converted into living accommodation with a new attached garage created in the front extension.

The application which, as originally submitted, proposed a larger first floor extension with both a two storey rear extension and a two storey front extension however this had been amended to set the first floor back in line with the existing rear wall which would therefore reduce the first floor bulk. This would have enabled the ridge height to be lowered from 7.595 metres to 6.990 metres. The applicant had also amended the original plan to set back the first floor over the garage which would improve the aesthetics of the front elevation and reduce the first floor bulk.

A Member site visit was held prior to the meeting. Representations had been received from neighbouring properties within the cul-de-sac citing objections as listed in paragraph 9 of the report.

Speakers:    Councillor Carol Bull spoke on the application as                                           Ward Member for Barningham.

During discussion some Members stated that they would be apprehensive to approve an application that would reduce the number of bungalows in the Borough as there was already a shortage of that type of housing, however they did acknowledge that this was not a material planning consideration and therefore was not a reason to refuse the application.

Members commended the applicant for working cooperatively with the Planning department, particularly in relation to making improvements to the basic design. In addition, Members considered the concerns of the neighbouring residents and concluded that any potential overshadowing was insignificant; the amended design had mitigated against the development from potentially being overbearing; and the character of the area and street scene was felt to be enhanced as a result of the conversion.

Councillor David Nettleton proposed that the application be approved as per the Officer recommendation and this was duly seconded by Councillor Ian Houlder.

Upon being put to the vote with 9 voting for the motion and 3 against, it was resolved that

Decision

Planning permission be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1.   The development hereby permitted shall be begun not later than 3 years from the date of permission

2.   The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the details shown on the following approved plans and documents:

Reference No:               Plan Type                      Date Received

          2017-12-BD32               Location and Block Plan   08.09.2017

          2017-12-BD31               Ex and Prop Elevations    08.09.2017

                                                and Floor Plans

3.   Occupation of the extension hereby permitted shall not commence until the area(s) within the site shown on drawing no. 2017-12-BD32 for the purposes of loading, unloading, manoeuvring and parking of vehicles has been provided. Thereafter the area(s) shall be retained and used for no other purpose.

4.   Demolition or construction works shall not take place outside 07:30 hours to 18:00 hours Mondays to Fridays and 07:30 hours to 13:00 hours on Saturday and at no time on Sundays or Bank Holidays.