Agenda item

Proposal: Continued use of Hillview Farm cottage as a dwelling.

The Planning Officer presented the application and report as detailed in the agenda. He noted the property had a complicated history which he summarised to members, and he also explained that other associated applications relating to the wider site were currently being appealed. The building had been renovated in recent years and was considered to be permitted development. He explained the reason for the recommendation was that the building was now considered to be a new dwelling in the open countryside for which no justification had been put forward.

Ms W Whitlam, objector, noted she was also speaking on behalf of some other residents of Low Ham, and made reference to policies regarding annexes. She felt the Parish Council had made their decision based on incomplete information about the whole site. This was not an affordable house as it was not provided by a registered RSL and the property should have been demolished over 30 years ago.

Mr R Skeet, spoke in support of the application, noting he had restored both Hill View Farm and the cottage. He provided a history of the site and explained the cottage and wider site had been in his family ownership for over a century. People had made positive comments about the cottage.

Applicant, Miss S Skeet, noted she had lived in the property for three years and it was a beautiful home with character and had importance to the family. She noted as well as objectors there were also many people in Low Ham who supported the application.

Agent, Mr C Miller, noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness had been refused for the site and enforcement notice served. He considered there was no planning requirement for the building to be demolished. He referred to the NPPF and noted the owners believed it was acceptable to renovate the property without permission. Even if the applicants had realised the planning officer view at an earlier stage, members would be considered a different application but with the same output if approved – a residential dwelling. Concerns raised by the officer about overlooking at ground level could be overcome with standard conditions for boundary treatment and landscaping.

Ward member, Councillor Gerard Tucker noted the site history had been provided by the officer and the property was being lived in by fourth generation family owner. The Parish Council unanimously supported the application, and he felt if an alternative application came forward afresh there may be little reason to refuse. He strongly supported the application and proposed approval.

During a very brief discussion members commented that it was a well renovated building and small parishes didn’t benefit from the affordable housing obligations of large developments. Wording for the justification of approving the application was discussed and agreed. Members felt that the requirement of a fence to minimise overlooking was not necessary, and the wording for other conditions including approved plans, retention of parking area, and withdrawal of Permitted Development Rights for windows, extensions and outbuildings should be agreed with the ward member.

On being put to the vote, the proposal to approve the application was carried unanimously.

(Voting: Unanimous in favour)