Agenda item

Planning Application 17/00265/OUT - Bradstones, North Street, South Petherton

Minutes:

Proposal: Erection of 1 No. dwelling within the garden of Bradstones (outline).

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda report and noted the key considerations. The site was note considered an appropriate site for back land development. It was acknowledged the applicants had responded to concerns raised by the proposal, and amended plans had been submitted following initial concerns about a 1.5 storey dwelling. The current application was now for a single storey dwelling.

Mr C Summers, addressed members on behalf of his parents who were the applicants. His parents had been at Bradstones since the mid 1980s and they didn’t want to leave South Petherton, but they needed a property to suit their needs in advancing age. The proposal would be a sympathetic development with low impact.

Ward member, Councillor Crispin Raikes, noted he had requested the application go to committee as he disagreed it was back land development. He felt the proposal would enhance rather than detract, and commented that the presentation photographs did not indicate the size of the Bradstones plot which was huge. He supported the application.

Ward member, Councillor Adam Dance, acknowledged there were some neighbour objections but also that the parish Council were supportive of the proposal. He also noted there had been several other developments in recent years along the same street.

There was a short discussion and comments raised by members included:

· Yes it is back land development but see no harm.

· Single storey dwelling is more acceptable.

· Commendable that the applicant has worked to mitigate concerns.

· No demonstrable harm and there is good access.

Councillor Jo Roundell Greene requested that the minutes record her comment that the representations made by the Landscape Officer seemed to be inconsistent - with reference to the 28 homes in Tintinhull being acceptable but not this single dwelling in South Petherton.

In response to comments made, the Area lead noted that this application and planning application 16/04608/OUT were two very different sites and proposals.

It was proposed to approve the application as it was felt the development was acceptable and there was no demonstrable harm. As members were minded to approve the application the Area Lead suggested wording for the justification based on comments made during discussion and advised that conditions would be required for:

· Standard outline condition

· Plans

· Visibility splays

· Drainage

· No windows to north elevation

· Levels

· Landscaping

At the conclusion of discussion the proposal to approve the application, subject to the conditions as suggested by the Area Lead, was put to the vote, and carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:

That planning application 17/00265/OUT be APPROVED, contrary to the officer recommendation, subject to the following:

Justification:

The proposed siting of a single dwelling in this location by reason of its scale and siting would accord with the established pattern and layout of development in the area would accord with the established character of the area and would cause no harm to landscape character or highway safety. As such the proposal would accord with policy EQ2 and TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

Subject to the following conditions:

01. The development hereby approved shall be begun either before the expiration of five 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 latest. 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 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the only.

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

03. There shall be no obstruction greater than 900mm above adjoining road level forward of a line drawn 2.4m back and parallel from the centreline of the access in the north-westerly direction to the edge of the site frontage and forward of a line drawn 2.4m back along the centreline of the access and extending for a distance of 33m to the nearside carriageway edge in the south-easterly direction. Such visibility shall be provided prior to the occupation of the dwelling hereby approved and shall thereafter be maintained at all times.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety to accord with Policy TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

04. Provision shall be made within the site for the disposal of surface water so as to prevent its discharge onto the highway, details of which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Such provision shall be installed before the access is brought into use and thereafter maintained at all times.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety to accord with Policy TA5 of the South Somerset local Plan (2006-2028).

05. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), other than any to be approved at Reserved Matters there shall be no windows or doors constructed within the North elevation of the proposed garage as illustrated on plan No. 896/002 Rev. C without the prior express grant of planning permission.

Reason: In the interests of visual and residential amenity in accordance with policy EQ2 of South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

06. The site levels and ground floor level of the dwelling hereby permitted shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details illustrated on Plan No. 896/050 Rev. E.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity to accord with Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

07. The landscaping scheme required by condition shall include the retention of the existing hedge to the western site boundary, details of measures for the protection of the hedge and measures for the protection of any retained trees within the development site. The landscaping scheme shall include details of any changes proposed in existing ground levels, the construction, location and finish of hardstanding and all proposed planting, seeding and turfing. The landscaping scheme shall be carried out and completed in accordance with a timetable to be agreed in writing. Any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

Reason: In the interests of visual amenity to accord with Policy EQ2 of the South amenity to accord with Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028).

(Voting: Unanimous)

Supporting documents: