Issue - meetings

Proposal Description: First-floor side extension.

The application was introduced. During public participation, Alice May spoke in objection to the application and James Coleman (applicant) spoke in support of the application and answered members' questions.

Councillor Becker spoke as a ward member against the application and expressed several points on behalf of residents, including:

• the property had a history of not being cared for
• the proposal would cause an imbalance with the neighbouring property and would make the garden of the neighbouring property feel more enclosed
• the loss of amenity, sunlight and privacy to neighbours
• the potential for setting a precedent which would encourage other Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) in the area to apply for extensions
• the negative impact on the community and the reduction in family homes as a result of increased numbers of HMOs
• this area was one of the few affordable areas in Winchester, a long-standing community which was being harmed through these proposals.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application and received additional advice from the committee’s legal officer regarding the application.

RESOLVED:

the committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report, subject to an additional condition regarding the installation of obscured glazed windows in accordance with the floor plans provided, the wording of the condition to be delegated to officers in consultation with the Chairperson.

Councillor Westwood left the meeting for the remaining agenda items.