Agenda item

(Councillor Swift-Hook declared a personal interest in Agenda item 4(4) by virtue of the fact that he was a member of Greenham Parish Council and Newbury Town Council who had previously considered the application, but reported that he would view the application afresh on its own merit. Councillor Swift-Hook also reported that his use of a computer during the meeting was in order to access information on the application before him. As his interest was personal and not a prejudicial or a disclosable pecuniary interest he determined to take part in the debate and vote on the matter). He also reported that he had been lobbied on this item.

The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(4) concerning Planning Application 14/00400/HOUSE in respect of extensions and alterations at Church Cottage, 1 Burys Bank Road, Greenham

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr Edmond applicant, addressed the Committee on this application.

Derek Carnegie introduced the report to the Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations and other material considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable and a conditional approval was justifiable.

Mr Edmond in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         The plans were misleading in terms of the scale of the development. The neighbouring property was significantly larger than his which was not made clear.

·         He had made a few preparatory improvements to the property and surrounding vegetation.

·         The plan was sympathetic to the unique character of the property and intended to bring the amenities up to a modern standard to meet family demands.

·         He had a good relationship with his neighbour, although he was aware that they objected to the application.

·         The proposed plans would improve the street scene.

Councillor Julian Swift-Hook, speaking as Ward Member, in addressing the Committee raised the following points:

·         The Planning Officer and Mr Edmond presented a strong case for approval.

·         He was surprised to hear that the neighbour was still concerned about the loss of light given that the amended design minimised the impact.

·         Concerns had been addressed and compromises had been made on both parts to minimise impacts whilst delivering improvements to the property.

Councillor Swift-Hook proposed acceptance of Officer’s recommendation, the proposal was seconded by Councillor Jeff Beck.

RESOLVED that the Head of Planning and Countrysidebe authorised to GRANT planning permission.

Conditions:

1.    The development of the extension shall be started within three years from the date of this permission and implemented strictly in accordance with the approved plans.

Reason: To enable the Local Planning Authority to review the desirability of the development against Policies CS14 and CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy 2006-2026 should it not be started within a reasonable time.

2.    The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with drawings 8050 01A, 13C, 14D and 15B received on 4 June 2014.

Reason: To ensure that the development is constructed in accordance with the submitted details assessed against Policy CC6 of the South East of Plan 2009 and Policies CS14 and CS19 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy 2006-2026.

3.    The materials to be used in this development shall be as specified on the plans or the application forms.

Reason: In the interests of amenity in accordance with Policies CS14 and CS19 of West Berkshire Core Strategy 2006-2026.

4.    Irrespective of the provisions of the current Town and Country Planning (General Development) Order 2008, no additional openings shall be inserted in the north-west elevation.

Reason: In the interests of the amenity of neighbouring properties in accordance with Policy CS14 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy 2006-2026

5.    No development (including site clearance and any other preparatory works) shall commence on site until a scheme for the protection of trees to be retained is submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such a scheme shall include a plan showing the location of the protective fencing, and shall specify the type of protective fencing, all in accordance with B.S.5837:2012. Such fencing shall be erected prior to any development works taking place and at least 2 working days notice shall be given to the Local Planning Authority that it has been erected. It shall be maintained and retained for the full duration of works or until such time as agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority. No activities or storage of materials whatsoever shall take place within the protected areas without the prior written agreement of the Local Planning Authority.

Note: The protective fencing should be as specified at Chapter 6 and detailed in figure 2 of B.S.5837:2012.

Reason: To ensure the enhancement of the development by the retention of existing trees and natural features during the construction phase in accordance with Policy CS18 of West Berkshire Core Strategy2006-2026.

6.    No development or other operations shall commence on site until an arboricultural method statement has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority and shall include details of the implementation, supervision and monitoring of all temporary tree protection and any special construction works within any defined tree protection area.

Reason: To ensure the protection of trees identified for retention at the site in accordance with the objectives of Policy CS18 of the West Berkshire Core Strategy 2006-2026.