Agenda item

(Sharon Armour declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(2) by the virtue of the fact that the applicants were known to her. Therefore, she was unable to provide legal advice and would vacate the meeting during the course of consideration on the matter.)

(Councillor Graham Pask declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 4(2) by virtue of the fact that he knew a number of local residents near the application site. As his interest was personal and not prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest, he determined to remain to take part in the debate and vote on the matter.)

(Sharon Armour left the meeting.)

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(2)) concerning Planning Application 17/01276/HOUSE in respect of a loft conversation with roof alternations and Velux windows.

Councillor Pask advised that the Parish Council had submitted their request to speak. However, it was received after the agreed deadline of 16:00 (as stated within in Part 7, point 7.13.2 of West Berkshire Council’s Constitution). For this reason there were no speakers registered to address the Committee on this application.

Councillor Emma Webster stated that the item was called in due to the proposed change in the roof line. She explained that the main issue appeared to be around limited parking - notably since the garage had been converted into an office.

Councillor Webster referred to the report and the Highways Officer comments contained within. She recognised new polices could not be applied retrospectively but stated that if Members were minded to approve the application, she would expect to see adequate plans to propose an additional parking space on site.

In response to questions asked, Gareth Dowding advised, if the application was for the consideration of a 4-bed new build dwellinghouse, he would expect to see plans to provide at least 3 parking spaces. He provided Members with the measurements of the existing parking space and that of the area required for 2 formal parking spaces.  Councillor Graham Bridgeman suggested that there could be sufficient grounds to refuse the application based on the issue of parking alone.

Councillor Marigold Jaques requested clarification from Officers in terms of the reason why a planning Application was required for a loft conversation. David Pearson advised that a planning application was required due to the change in the roof line in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the potential impact this may impose.

Councillor Alan Law advised that he agreed with the comments presented by Councillor Bridgman but considered that it would not stand as a reason for refusal if the decision went to appeal.

Councillor Richard Crumly expressed his support towards the comments made by Councillor Bridgman and suggested that there should be adequate plans to include an additional parking space, if the application was approved.

Councillor Pamela Bale challenged whether there was an opportunity to request that the garage reverted back to a usable parking space. David Pearson advised that it would be hard to enforce such a condition and it would be far easier to see a second space at the front of the property.

Councillor Keith Chopping proposed to accept Officers recommendation for approval with the inclusion of a condition to ensure that a second parking space would be provided. The proposal was seconded by Councillor Marigold Jaques.  

In considering the above application Members voted in favour of the proposal and accepted the conditions as set out in the Officers report – with the inclusion of a condition to provide adequate plans for the provision of a second parking space at the front of the property.

RESOLVED that the Head of Development and Planning be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the following conditions:

Conditions

6.       Details of rooflights   No related development shall commence until details of the rooflights to be used in   the proposed development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority on an application made for the purpose. This condition shall apply irrespective of any indications as to the details that may have been submitted with the application. Thereafter the roof lights  used in the development shall be in accordance with the approved details.

Reason:  To ensure that the rooflights are appropriate to the existing development, the site and its surroundings. This condition is imposed to comply with the National Planning Policy   Framework (March 2012) and Policies CS14 and CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy (2006-2026)