Agenda item

The Case Officer presented his report to members. He explained that since the report had been published, an additional letter of objection had been received.

He advised members that the application was for a front and rear extension to the dwelling and the creation of a new access and parking area. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he provided images of the site. He pointed out the position of the neighbouring listed building. He also provided images to show the proposed elevations and floor plans.

The Case Officer advised members that objections to the application had been received from neighbouring properties.

The applicant addressed the Committee. She explained that her family had lived in the house for many years and that the home was no suitable as the family had outgrown the home. She pointed out that extensive renovation was required and she hoped that the extensive front garden area could be used to provide an extension to the property. She pointed out that the front garden was a lot lower than the road and that the front of the extension would be cut into the hill. She explained that there were lots of different materials used in the village and explained that privacy at Jasmine cottage would remain.

Councillor Mike Beech, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application. He pointed out that the dwelling was detached and was situated on ground much lower than the road. He also pointed out that the Parish Council offered support to the application and explained that there were other front extensions on nearby properties.

The Senior Planning Advisor advised members that the property had an extensive rear garden and felt that the front extension was overbearing and would result in an unacceptable intrusion, however would not overshadow or provide loss of light to adjoining properties. He added that the applicant did not seek pre-application advice.

During the short discussion, one member commented that there were other buildings along same stretch of road with front extensions. Another member commented that he would prefer to see the extension on the rear, however supported the application.

It was proposed and seconded that the application should be approved, contrary to the Case Officer recommendation as the application met the aims of policies EQ2 and EQ3.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:   that planning application 18/03964/HOU was approved, contrary to the Case Officer recommendation, subject to standard conditions to ensure development is started before 3 years, that materials and plans are as agreed, for the following reason;

01.          The proposal is considered to accord with Policies EQ2 and EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), in that the development preserves and enhances the character of the area and the setting of nearby Listed Buildings by virtue of its size, scale, design materials and local impact.

Subject to the following conditions;

01.       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 Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and drawings dated 10/2018 and date stamped as received by South Somerset District Council 23rd November 2018. The external surfaces of the development shall be of materials as indicated in the application form and no other materials shall be used without the prior written consent of the local planning authority.

            Plans Titled-

            Elevations as Proposed

            Elevations as Existing

            Site Plan as Proposed

            Site Plan as Existing

            Location Plan as Existing

            Roof Plan/ Sections as Proposed

            Floor Plan as Existing

            Floor Plan as Proposed

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

(voting: unanimous)