Agenda item

Report No: DEV/WS/22/003

Householder planning application - Installation of dark framed solar panels to the front elevation

Listed building consent application - Installation of dark framed solar panels to the front elevation

Householder planning application - Installation of dark framed solar panels to the front elevation

Listed building consent application - Installation of dark framed solar panels to the front elevation

These applications were referred to the Development Control Committee following consideration by the Delegation Panel.

As part of her presentation the Principal Planning Officer outlined the planning history of the site.

Officers were recommending that the applications be refused for the reason set out in Paragraph 40 of Report No DEV/WS/22/003.

Speakers:    Councillor Nick Clarke (Ward Member: Clare, Hundon and Kedington) spoke in support of the application

                   Ian Evans (applicant) spoke in support of the application

Considerable debate took place by the Committee, with a number of Members voicing opinion that the solar panels would not cause harm to the listed building in view of a modern extension already having been constructed.

Reference was also made to the global climate emergency and the need for renewable energy sources, however, Councillors were reminded of the need to determine applications based on the development plan policies currently in place and the duty under Section 66 of Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The Chair invited the Senior Conservation Officer to address the meeting and elaborate further on her comments set out in Paragraph 10 of the report.

The Principal Planning Officer confirmed, in response to a question, that should Members be minded to approve the application, contrary to the Officer recommendation, the Decision Making Protocol would be invoked and a risk assessment would be produced for further consideration by the Committee.

Councillor Roger Dicker proposed that both applications be refused, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Peter Stevens.

The Chair advised Members that he would take a vote on both applications separately.

Upon the planning application DC/21/1806/HH being put to the vote and with 7 voting for the motion and 5 against; and upon the listed building consent application DC/21/1807/LB being put to the vote and with 7 voting for the motion and 5 against, it was resolved that

Decision

Permission for both applications be REFUSED for the following reason:

1.   Calford Green Cottage is referred to within the list description as a C17 timber framed and plastered house with thatched roof and diagonally shafted chimney stack. Whilst remodelled in the C20 it still retains much of its original character. The special architectural and historic interest of the building lies in its simple vernacular form. The proposed panels would be located on the southern (front) roof slope of the slate roofed side extension views of which would be possible not only from within the curtilage of the cottage but also the wider public realm. The proposed panels would sit proud of the roof plain incorporating a black glass face with each panel subdivided into 60 cells, the appearance of which would be a stark contrast to the more mellow and natural colour and softer texture of both the existing slate roof, currently appreciated, and the thatch roof of the original dwelling alongside which they would be appreciated. As a result, their provision would appear as an incongruous addition to a designated heritage asset and would detract from and cause harm to its significance. The harm identified would result in less than substantial harm and the tests of para 202 of the NPPF should therefore apply. The modest benefits of the proposal do not override the requirement to have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses. The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Policies DM2 and DM15 of the Joint Development Management Policies Document, Policy CS3 of the St Edmundsbury Core Strategy, para 202 of the NPPF and the duties imposed by section 16 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Act) 1990.