Issue - meetings

Proposal Description: Detailed Planning Permission for a development comprising 3 units, 2 x detached outbuildings, parking, landscaping and access (AMENDED DESCRIPTION, AMENDED PLANS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION).

The application was introduced. Members were referred to the update sheet which provided additional information regarding several matters including;

1. Within the section headed “Amendments to Plans Negotiated”, the number of the neighbouring property should read Number 28 not Number 24
2. Under Consultee responses – condition numbers should read:

•         Service Lead for Community – (Trees) – No objections subject to conditions (Conditions 7, 16 and 17)

•         Service Lead for Natural Environment – (Ecology) – No objections subject to conditions securing appropriate mitigation for reptiles (Condition 15)

3. Page 25 – Condition 18 referenced and corrected to Condition 7 and 15.
4. Amend Informative 9 to read as follows: “With regards to Conditions 7 and 14, the landscaping details and CMP shall have full regard to the recommendations contained within Section 5 of the approved ecology assessment (Peach Ecology, 5 June 2023 Report Number: 0526) and shall include provision for fence holes and features for bats and swifts”

During public participation, Claire Cook spoke in objection to the application, and Alex King spoke in support of the application and answered members' questions.

Councillor Learney spoke as a ward member and expressed several points on behalf of residents which could be summarised as follows.

1. The development faced strong objections from residents concerned about preserving the area's character, ecology, and biodiversity.
2. Downside Road, like other nearby streets, featured large leafy trees and homes hidden by hedges, creating a scenic route frequently used by pedestrians.
3. There was a clear distinction between Downside Road and 26 Grovelands, which should not be used as a reference point due to its lack of visibility from Downside Road.
4. The St Barnabas West design statement highlighted the area's semi-rural atmosphere, derived from its diverse trees and plants supporting wildlife, and emphasised retaining existing building lines.
5. The proposal moved the building line forward, making the large house very prominent. Although mitigation for the loss of trees was proposed, the increase in hard landscaping meant it would take many years to restore the current biodiversity and visual impact.
6. The committee was urged to refuse the application, but if approved, Councillor Learney urged that conditions must be enforced as outlined in the paper.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application.

RESOLVED

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report and the Update Sheet and subject to an additional condition to remove permitted development rights in Classes A, B, C and D.