Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint presentation showed the site and proposed plans.  

He considered the proposed area to be a natural break between the general ‘ribbon’ arrangements to the east and singular cluster of building to the west.  He referred to the history of planning appeals within the area that had recently been dismissed on similar grounds and advised that should members be minded to approve the application the area could be subject to further infill and would expect a precedent to be set for further applications in this area. 

He considered the character and appearance would be detrimental to the area as perceived as a natural break between housing and therefore his recommendation was to refuse the recommendation for reasons as set out in the agenda report.

Janet Montgomery the Agent addressed the committee.  She advised members that the two single storey dwellings were for the elderly owners and that the other property for a member of the family.  She said this would allow the applicant and family to remain living locally and that this application has substantial amendments from the previous refused application.  She confirmed the applicant would be happy with the planting of an orchard should this be conditioned and the decision of the previous appeal decision on this site should be given little weight due to the recent changes in Planning Policy.  She concluded the development would provide social development where the Council fail to provide a five year land supply, aid economic growth and considered the development to be in keeping with the local area with a gradual easing along Lily Lane.

Councillor Tim Inglefield Ward member believed consideration should not be given to previous appeal decisions as policy had since changed and did not believe Policy SS2 to be strong enough to refuse the application.  He noted the local Parish Council had made no objection and considered that further development had already been established further along the lane.  If assurance was given to ensure orchard planting and exact residential area he would support the application.

During members’ discussion, several comments were made including the following:

·         Understood government guidance should aid the elderly were possible to downsize.

·         Each application should be considered on its own merits.

·         Should look to support local housing need.

·         Considered the proposal would not be detrimental to the character or appearance of the local area.

During a short debate, members led by the Area Leads North/East discussed and suggested reasons for approval.  It was then proposed and subsequently seconded that planning permission be approved, contrary to the officer’s recommendation for the following reasons as read out by the Area Leads North/East.

‘The proposal for 2 bungalows would meet a local need without detriment to the character of the locality, highways safety or residential amenity. As such the proposal complies with policies SS2, SD1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

With Conditions to include:

• Standard outline conditions (time & reserved matters)

·         Dwelling shall only be single storey (to ensure they meet the identified need as required by policy SS2).

On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That application 15/02933/OUT be approved subject to the following:

‘The proposal for 2 bungalows would meet a local need without detriment to the character of the locality, highways safety or residential amenity. As such the proposal complies with policies SS2, SD1 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and the policies contained within the National Planning Policy Framework.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun either before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission, or before the expiration of two years from the date of approval of the last of the reserved matters to be approved, whichever is the later.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015.

02.       Application for approval of the reserved matters shall be made to the Local Planning Authority before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  As required by Section 92(2) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

03.       Approval of the details of the access, appearance of the building(s), the landscaping of the site, Layout and Scale (hereinafter called 'the reserved matters') shall be obtained from the Local Planning Authority in writing before any development is commenced.

Reason: To accord with the provisions of Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2015.

04.       The dwelling(s) hereby permitted shall only be single storey.

Reason: To enable the Local Planning Authority to retain control over the development and ensure that it meets identified need for single storey dwellings, further to Policy SS2 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006- 2028.

(voting: unanimous)