Agenda item

Application Proposal: The erection of a detached single storey dwelling with associated landscaping works

The Planning Officer presented his report to members. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he identified the site on a map and provided images of the site. He described the bungalow as being a modest size, however he further explained that the site was situated in open countryside and that the village could not be reached by pavement. He explained to members that it was view that the application failed policy SS2 of the SSDC Local Plan as well as paragraph 55 of the NPPF and recommended that the application be refused.

A member of the public spoke in objection to the application. She advised that was she concerned about the how busy the road was and that the access would be dangerous and suggested that a pavement was required along this stretch of road. She also explained that she was concerned that additional buildings or extensions may follow on the site.

The agent addressed the committee. He explained that he had discussed the proposal with the Parish Council prior to submitting an application and that they had offered support to the proposal. He advised that bungalows were needed and that he would be happy for a condition to remove PD rights to be added to a permission. He felt that the bungalow would offer social and economic benefits.

The applicant addressed the committee. He advised that his family had lived in the village for 4 generations and hoped to remain in the village and suggested that the bungalow would benefit others in the future.

Councillor Hayward Burt, Ward Member, offered his support for the application. He explained that there were more than 2 services in Horsington and argued that the site complied with the SSDC Local Plan policy SS2 and agreed that there was a shortage of bungalows, however he did point out that this was a dangerous stretch of road.

Councillor William Wallace, also Ward Member, declared a personal interest in the application as he knew the applicant well and advised that he would abstain from the vote.

In response to a question, the Lead Planning Officer confirmed that a condition to ensure adequate screening could be added should the application be approved.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application should be approved, without a condition to remove permitted development rights.

It was subsequently proposed and seconded that the application be approved, with the inclusion of a condition to remove permitted development rights, however no vote was taken.

A vote was taken on the first proposal, which was to approve without a condition to remove the permitted development rights, subject to conditions to specify approved plans, a time limit, material, landscaping, visibility splays and to secure appropriate access arrangements. This was carried 7 votes in support, 1 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED:  that planning application 18/00990/FUL be approved, contrary to the officer recommendation, subject to conditions to specify approved plans, a time limit, material, landscaping, visibility splays and to secure appropriate access arrangements

For the following reason;

01.          The proposed development is acceptable in this location as it is within a rural settlement that contains at least two services and facilities, and the lack of specific local benefits is outweighed by the contribution towards housing supply in the district. Furthermore, the dwelling, by reason of its size, design and position, respects the character of the area and will have no adverse impact on the setting of the nearby listed buildings, highways safety or residential amenity. As such the proposal accords with policies SS1, SD1, SS2, TA5, TA6, EQ2 and EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan and the aims and objectives of the NPPF.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS;

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 1393/1; 1393/2 and 1393/3 received 26th March 2018 and 1393-4; 1393-3B and 1393-3B (large scale) drawings received 16th May 2018.

Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

02.       A landscaping scheme shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby approved. The landscaping scheme shall include details (plant mix, sizes, protection) of a new hedge to be planted along the south western boundary of the site. The landscaping shall be planted in accordance with the approved details in the next planting season. Any gaps resulting from specimens that die within 5 years of planting shall be replanted in the next planting season.

Reason: To screen the site and provide satisfactory appearance.

03.       A written schedule of materials to be used in the construction of all external surfaces, openings and rainwater goods shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to the commencement of any works above DPC level. The development shall only then be developed in accordance with the approved materials.

Reason: To ensure that the development has a satisfactory appearance.

04.       The visibility splays, surfacing, geometry, gradient, surface water drainage and gate position shown on drawings 1393-4; 1393-3B and 1393-3B (large scale) shall be fully implemented prior to the first occupation of the dwelling hereby approved and subsequently maintained in perpetuity.

Reason: To ensure safe and satisfactory vehicular access to the site is provided and maintained in the interests of highway safety.

05.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and CountryPlanning Act 1990.

(Voting: 7 votes in support, 1 against and 1 abstention)