Construction of a two storey block containing 6 flats with associated parking

The committee received the report of the interim Head of Development Management, including the relevant planning history of the site and details of the responses to the application. 

The interim Head of Development Management explained that the application sought the construction of a two storey block containing six flats with associated parking.

The Chair invited Kenneth Peppett, a local resident and director of the Hollingsworth Mews management company, to speak to the committee.  Mr Peppett objected to the application on the grounds that it would overshadow existing residents in Hollingsworth Mews and Bramble Close, reducing daylight particularly during the winter months.  In addition, residents considered there was insufficient parking provision which would lead to overspill problems in surrounding areas. 

Mr Peppett also had some privacy concerns about the turning circle and proposed parking outside his property.

The Chair invited Eric Gadsden, the applicant, to speak to the committee.  Mr Gadsden explained the background to the Hollingsworth Mews development which would be completed with the current application. 

Addressing the concerns of the previous speaker, Mr Gadsden explained that the parking provision would be similar to the first stage of the development, i.e., one space per flat, but with two additional visitor spaces.  This was considered sufficient for one-bedroom flats.  Mr Gadsden disputed the extent of overspill parking problems in the area and the privacy concerns of existing residents.

Responding to a query from the Chair, the interim Head of Development Management confirmed that the proposed parking provision and privacy distances were considered acceptable.

The Chair invited comments from the committee.

Members of the committee acknowledged the disruption, anxiety and stress experienced by residents during developments, but advised that they needed to review applications against relevant planning considerations.  As stated in the officer’s report, despite residents’ concerns about parking, loss of light and privacy, there were no grounds to refuse the application.

The Chair moved the officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED –

That conditional planning permission be granted subject to the conditions listed below:

1.      The development to which this permission relates shall be begun within a period of three years commencing on the date of this permission.

2.      The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved drawings:-

          Location plan; 19/3487/1; 19/3487/2; and 19/3487/3.

3.      No construction works above damp proof course level shall commence until details of the materials to be used for all the external finishes of the building, including walls, roofs, doors, windows and fascias, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out only in accordance with the approved materials.

4.      The tree protection measures contained within the Arboricultural Survey dated 02/05/2019 prepared by Merewood Arboricultural Services shall be implemented for the duration of the construction works, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

5.      No part of the development shall be occupied until full details of a hard and soft landscaping scheme has been submitted to and approved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4