Issue - meetings

1.     The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(1)) concerning Planning Application 21/00596/HOUSE in respect of Spindlewood, 50 High Street, Kintbury. Approval was sought for erection of 6.06m x 2.44m outbuilding in the front garden of Spindlewood (50 High Street, Kintbury) - right side of the garden when looking at the property from the road - to include a storage area, kennel and small home office.

2.     Scott Houston, Planning Officer, introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material planning considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and officers recommended that the Service Director for Development and Regulation be authorised to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.     In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Ms Sophie Meaney, applicant, addressed the Committee on this application.

Applicant Representation

4.     Mrs Sophie Meaney in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

1.    The proposal had been comprehensively described by the Planning Officer in his presentation.

2.    The plot was unusual in that it had a small rear garden and a large front garden, so it was not possible to put the outbuilding at the rear of the property.

3.    They had tried hard to minimise any impact from the proposal and it would not be visible from the road.

4.    The proposed building was small and practical.

5.    There would only be a very slim view of the structure through the slats in the fence.

Member Questions to the Applicant

5.     Councillor Tony Vickers asked if there would be surface drainage associated with the proposed structure. Mrs Meaney replied that the proposal was limited to the shed only.

6.     Councillor Phil Barnett noted that it would be used as a home office and asked if the applicant intended to use it long-term or just temporarily. Mrs Meaney indicated that she and her husband worked from home and expected to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

7.     Councillor Carolyne Culver asked about the likely use of the building as a kennel, including the number of dogs and times of day, and highlighted the potential for associated noise impacts. Mrs Meaney stated that they had one dog and they only intended to use the kennel for short periods so the dog could dry off after muddy walks.

8.     Councillor Clive Hooker noted that the main concern expressed by the Parish Council appeared to be colour and asked the applicant for her thoughts on this. Mrs Meaney indicated that she would be happy for the rear to be painted green to blend with the garden. However, she indicated that she would prefer the rest to be painted black to match the fence.

9.     Councillor Erik Pattenden asked how the building would be partitioned and the relative proportions of the proposed uses. Mrs Meaney confirmed that it would be divided as follows – ¼ kennel, ¼ storage,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19