Decision details

Item 11: (AMENDED PLANS received 31/07/2020) Erection of single detached dwelling.

The Old Bank, High Street West Meon.

Case number: SDNP/19/05173/FUL

At its meeting on 19 November 2020, the committee had agreed to defer the determination of this item to allow for a pre-emptive site visit to take place to view the application in the context of its location and to assess access and overlooking issues.

A site visit was attended by all members of the committee, except Councillor Pearson.  However, as Councillor Pearson was nominated as a deputy at the time this application initially came before committee, he clarified that he was aware of the site and would participate in the determination of this item.  The application was before the committee for further consideration.

The Service Lead - Built Environment referred Members to the Update Sheet which set out two further letters of representation received in relation to the measurement of the riparian buffer and the accuracy of plans and outlined the case officer and other relevant officer’s response to the points raised.

During public participation, Neil March (Southern Planning Practice) spoke in objection to the application and Richard Lowe (agent) spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

During public participation, Councillor Lumby spoke on this item as Ward Member.

In summary, Councillor Lumby highlighted the location of the site and thanked members for attending a site visit to view the proposal further.  He stated that the site had been listed as previously developed land but contested that this was not the case as it had been open space and was therefore not in accordance with policy SD25.

Councillor Lumby expressed concern regarding the measurement of the buffer zone which had been recorded at five metres and queried if this reading was taken on the flat.  In addition, he raised concerns that the plans were misleading, that light spillage would have an adverse impact on neighbouring properties and wildlife habitats and made reference to the enforceability of proposed conditions to support the dark night skies policy, the adequacy of parking proposals and access for emergency and high sided vehicles.

In conclusion, Councillor Lumby urged the committee to refuse the application as he considered it was not positioned on previously developed land and was contrary to policies SD1, SD2, SD9, SD11 and SD25.

In response to Members’ questions, the Council’s Ecologist provided clarification regarding the measurement of the riparian buffer zone and the impact of light spillage on the wildlife corridor from the use of the bi-fold doors.

At the conclusion of debate, 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, subject to an addition to condition 10 to ensure that the riparian buffer zone be fenced off and the insertion of the two standard informatives.