Agenda item

Application Proposal:Alterations and the erection of single storey rear and side extensions and formation of two dormer windows on west elevation of dwelling

The Case Officer for Development Management advised that two single storey extensions were proposed to the north and east and following discussion with the Cranborne Chase AONB a tiled roof was now proposed on one to reduce light pollution.  He said the distance between the proposed extension and the neighbouring property was 26.8m which was considered an acceptable degree ofseparation, to ensure there was no significant overlooking leading toa demonstrable impact on residential amenity. The proposal was therefore considered acceptableand recommended for approval

A representative of the Parish Council said they objected to the invasion of privacy of the neighbouring property.  He said the proposed north elevation dormer windows would overlook the neighbouring property which was only 17m distance, and, although obscure glass was offered, this could be changed in the future.  The existing garage created some screening but there would still be overlooking.

The Agent for the applicant said they had addressed the light spillage from the extension and offered obscure glazing and fixed windows in the proposed dormers in the interest of their neighbours.

The Ward Member, Councillor Robin Bastable, said he had visited the neighbouring property and measured from their conservatory to the boundary which had been 16.5m therefore it was within 20m to the proposed extension which was an unacceptable intrusion.  He also felt that obscure glazing in the dormer windows was pointless.

The Lead Specialist for Development Management said that planning guidance stated there should be a distance of 21m between neighbouring windows to ensure privacy.  He referred to a similar application in Wincanton which had been granted permission recently though he said the views in this application were more angled.

During discussion, Members felt that by offering obscure glass and fixing the windows in the dormers the proposal was acceptable.  Also, the applicants had addressed the light pollution from one extension as requested by the Cranborne Chase AONB.  The officer’s recommendation to approve the application was proposed and seconded and on being put to the vote, was carried by 6 votes in favour, 1 against and 0 abstentions.

RESOLVED:  That planning application 19/02514/HOU be GRANTED planning permission, as per the officer’s recommendation, for the following reason:

01.         The proposal, by reason of location, size, scale, materials, design and use does not adversely affectthe character of the Listed building, context ofthe area, visual amenity or residential amenity in accordance with the aims and objectives ofpolices EQ2, EQ3,SD1, TA5 and TA6of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006) and the provisions ofthe National Planning Policy Framework.

SUBJECT TOTHE FOLLOWING:

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

Reason: Toaccord with the provisions of section 91(1) ofthe Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the details indicated on the following approved drawings and documents;

-3191/4 A Survey/Elevations

-3191/5 E Ground Floor Plans as Proposed

-3191/6 E First Floor and Roof Plans as Proposed

-3191/7 F Elevations as Proposed

-3191/17 A Roof Plan Existing and Proposed

Plans received by the Local Planning Authority 28th August 2019 and amended plans received 28thOctober 2019. The external surfaces of the proposed development shall be as indicated on the referenced approved plans and submitted application form.No other external finishing materials shall be used in the alterations without the prior written agreement ofthe Local Planning Authority.

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

03.       Prior tothe installation of any exterior lighting relating tothe extension hereby approved, details including measures toprevent light spillage and pollution shall be submitted toand approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  Once agreed such details shall not be altered without the prior written consent ofthe local planning authority.

Reason: Inthe interests of visual amenity and tocomply with Policy EQ2 ofthe South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and toprotect the character of the Cranborne Chase AONB.

04.       The hereby permitted Dormer windows shall be obscure glazed and non-opening unless the parts ofthe window which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor level. The windows shall be permanently maintained in this manner.

Reason: To protect the residential amenity of neighbouring occupiers in accordance with policy EQ2of the South Somerset Local Plan.  

(Voting: 6 in favour, `1 against, 0 abstentions)