Agenda item

1.      The Committee considered a report (Agenda Item 4(3)) concerning Planning Application 23/02604/LBC in respect of Internal and external alterations to allow change of use of listed barn to dwelling, including erection of vehicular access, gate, car port and diversion of the definitive footpath.

2.       Alice Attwood (Senior Planning Officer) introduced the report to Members, which took account of all the relevant policy considerations. In conclusion the report detailed that the proposal was acceptable in planning terms and officers recommended that the Head of Planning and Development be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions outlined in the main and update reports.

3.       Mr Gareth Dowding confirmed that he had no further comments in relation to Highways Matters.

4.       In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Mr David Southgate, Parish Council representative, Russel Meadows and Chrstine Dunn, objectors, Kate Russell, supporter, Richard Beasley and Lisa Jackson, applicant/agent and Councillor Chris Read, Ward Member, addressed the Committee on this application.

5.       Mr Till clarified that Listed Building Consent considered only the impact of works on the fabric and the significance of the Listed Building and set out in detail what these were.

Parish Council Representation

6.       Mr Southgate addressed the Committee (Bucklebury Parish Council). This representation can be viewed on the recording: Eastern Area Planning Committee - 10th July 2024 (YouTube Link)

Member Questions to the Parish/Town Council

7.       Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Objector Representation

8.       Mr Russel Meadows and Ms Christine Dunn addressed the Committee. This representation can be viewed on the recording: Eastern Area Planning Committee - 10th July 2024 (YouTube Link)

Member Questions to the Objector

9.       Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Supporter Representation

10.   Ms Kate Russell addressed the Committee. This representation can be viewed on the recording: Eastern Area Planning Committee - 10th July 2024 (YouTube Link)

Member Questions to the Supporter

11.   Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Applicant/Agent Representation

12.   Mr Beasley (Applicant) and Ms Jackson (Agent) addressed the Committee. This representation can be viewed on the recording: Eastern Area Planning Committee - 10th July 2024 (YouTube Link)

Member Questions to the Applicant/Agent

13.   Members asked questions of clarification and the following responses were given:

·       There was a detailed structural report, which formed part of the planning application and explained the sensitive repair of each of the beams, structures and joints. This had been considered in detail by the Conservation Officer who was satisfied with the works proposed. 

Ward Member Representation

14.   Councillor Chris Read addressed the Committee. This representation can be viewed on the recording: Eastern Area Planning Committee - 10th July 2024 (YouTube Link)

Member Questions to the Ward Member

15.   Members did not have any questions of clarification.

Member Questions to Officers

16.   Members asked questions of clarification and the following responses were given:

·       Mr Till commented on the insulation proposed as he had drafted the condition on the matter. He provided Members with further details as this information had been provided through the additional update report. An objection had been received from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings on the grounds of some of the forms of insulation proposed. Officers were not of the view that this was a fundamental objection to the listed building consent and viewed it as a technical objection on the details currently proposed. Mr Till drew attention to point three on the amended update sheet, which provided the additional condition on insultation. Mr Till stated that he also wished to add the following wording to the condition ‘this is not withstanding any details shown on the existing plans’.

Debate

17.   Councillor Jeremy Cottam expressed his dissatisfaction with the application. He felt that the car port distracted from the view of the building but noted it had been highlighted a tractor could be parked there.

18.   Councillor Geoff Mayes noted from the objector comments that an agricultural vehicle could be placed in the barn using it as a car port, which would avoid the need for the subterranean car port. He was unsure if this was a possibility.

19.   Councillor Mayes commented on the insulation and that he had experienced similar issues with his own house. Wood ants were an issue with cork insulation and wasps and mice were an issue for some of the polystyrene alternatives. He was concerned about the materials proposed however, was supportive of the idea. He referred back to the car port and the possibility of fitting a tractor inside the barn as it could then be used as a car port. Councillor Mayes was reminded by the Chairman that the application before the Committee had to be considered.

20.   Councillor Richard Somner noted the point by Councillor Mayes however, highlighted that the internal and external matters had already been considered as part of the previous application and the car port had been accepted. Councillor Somner was pleased to see Mr Till’s response to the late consultation comment submitted and this addressed the scrutiny of the work that would be carried out and that any work would not be at the detriment of the current structure. Councillor Somner felt that the application was supportive of the application previously approved and therefore proposed the Officer recommendation to grant Listed Building Consent was approved subject to conditions in the main report and additional update sheet. This was seconded by Councillor Clive Taylor.

21.   The Chairman invited Members of the Committee to vote on the proposal by Councillor Somner, seconded by Councillor Taylor to grant planning permission. At the vote the motion was carried.

RESOLVED that the Service Director for Development and Regulation be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions in the report and additional update sheet.