Agenda item

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(3)) concerning Planning Application 20/01940/LBC2 in respect of the addition of a kitchen vent through the roof of the rear extension.

Bob Dray, Development Control Team Leader, presented the report. He reminded Members that the only consideration for this application was whether the proposal preserved the special architectural and historical interest of this listed building and its setting.

Mr Dray explained that the Conservation Officer originally had concerns that the proposed flue would appear overly obtrusive due to its height and positioning. This had resulted in alterations being made to replace the flue with an inline vent and the Conservation Officer was satisfied with this revision. The Conservation Officer felt that the in-line clay tile vent would not be in any way obtrusive or harm the appearance of the building as long as the colour of the clay tile matched the approved tiles.

The 14 objections from members of the public were primarily concerned with the height and obtrusiveness of the flue and the flue had been amended in the way described.

Concerns raised of odour and noise did not apply to a listed building consent.

The Officer recommendation was to grant listed building consent subject to conditions, which included a condition for the materials that would be used.

No written submissions were received.

Ward Member Representation

Councillor Alan Law in addressing the Committee as Ward Member made the following points:

·                     By way of background, Councillor Law explained that there had been a level of controversy in the planning history of West Streatley House and some enforcement issues raised in relation to set times for deliveries and for works. A level of concern had persisted in the local area and there had been objections to this application for listed building consent, primarily in relation to the flue.

·                     As explained by the Planning Officer, the changes made to the proposed flue and vent had done much to alleviate the concerns. The Conservation Officer was satisfied with the revisions made. 

No questions were asked of the Ward Member.

Questions to Officers

Councillor Geoff Mayes queried if it was a gas flue and whether there was a window overlooking the adjacent neighbouring property.

In response, Mr Dray explained that he was unclear on the fuel to be used but this was not relevant to an application for listed building consent. The only consideration was the impact on the character of the listed building.

The rear extension and its windows were at some distance from the neighbouring property as shown on the plans.

Debate

Councillor Tony Linden proposed acceptance of Officers’ recommendation to grant listed building consent subject to conditions. This was seconded by Councillor Jeremy Cottam.

RESOLVED that the Head of Development and Planning be authorised to grant listed building consent subject to the following conditions:

Conditions

1.         Commencement of works

The works hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason: To comply with the requirements of Section 18 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

2.         Approved plans

This listed building consent relates only to work described on the following drawings:

1618-L01 (Location Plan), received 21st August 2020

1618-1B 50 C (Floor Plan and Section Elevation), received 16th November 2020

The works shall be carried out in strict conformity with the approved plans and associated approved submitted information.

Reason: To clarify what has been approved under this consent in order to protect the special architectural or historic interest of the building.

3.         Materials

The works shall not take place until details of the colour and finish of the in-line clay tile vent have been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  Samples shall be made available to be viewed at the site or by arrangement with the Planning Officer.  All materials incorporated in the work shall match the approved samples.

Reason: To ensure that the materials are appropriate to the special architectural or historic interest of the building.  This condition is imposed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) and Policy CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy (2006-2026).

4.         Making good

All works of making good and repair to the retained fabric, whether internal or external, shall be finished to match original/adjacent work with regard to the methods used and to materials, colours, textures and profiles.  

Reason: To protect the special architectural or historic interest of the building.  This condition is imposed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (February 2019) and Policy CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy (2006-2026).