Issue - meetings

Proposal Description: Single storey rear extension (amended plans).

The application was introduced and during public participation, Claudia Wellner spoke in objection to the application, and Mark Benzie spoke in support of the application and answered members' questions.

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

1. He stated that he had called the application to the committee because he believed the design would have an adverse impact on neighbouring homes.
2. Whilst acknowledging the applicant's willingness to modify plans, he felt the changes did not sufficiently address the loss of light and overshadowing issues for the garden and windows of the neighbouring property at Number 2 Sussex Close.
3. He noted that the proposed extension was built up to the shared boundary, and he agreed with neighbours' fears that it would be too tall and block sunlight.
4. Although the application passed the 45-degree elevation test, he argued that due to the narrow nature of the gardens and proximity to the boundary, nearly half of the neighbouring garden would be overshadowed, particularly affecting evening light in certain seasons.
5. He believed the design complied only with the "letter" of the 45-degree guideline, not its "spirit," and reminded the Committee that it was a guideline, not a law.
6. A secondary issue was raised concerning the overall impact on the street scene, as the side elevation was highly visible from Main Road and Port Lane within a conservation area.
7. In conclusion, he asked that the committee consider the wider impacts of its size, proximity to the boundary, and the overall effect on the street scene and the neighbouring property.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application. The committee received advice from the Legal advisor, who clarified that the Party Wall Act, the right to light, and light pollution are matters that could be dealt with under private law and parallel regimes such as Environmental Health.

RESOLVED

The committee agreed to grant permission for the reasons and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report.