Agenda item

Proposal Description: Demolition of the existing link between the main chalet bungalow and the annex to create two separate residential planning units; extensions to the newly-created dwelling.

The application was introduced and during public participation, Jane Milsome and Graham Milsome spoke in support of the application and Andrew Adams spoke on behalf of Micheldever Parish Council in support of the application and answered members' questions.

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

1.    He expressed opposition to development in the countryside in principle, citing the destruction of green fields by buildings that were not absolutely necessary.

2.    He highlighted that the primary reason for refusal in the report was the proposal's failure to constitute infilling in a continuously developed frontage. However, he contested this reasoning, noting that the application site was not in Woodmancott but over half a mile outside.

3.    He mentioned that the area consisted of only two homes within a small group of buildings, historically occupied by those associated with the adjacent farm. The current residents were looking to downsize due to a lack of smaller homes in the vicinity.

4.    The application sought to convert a holiday cottage into a small home to address local needs. He emphasized that the proposal did not entail substantial development, nor would it alter the character or impact the countryside negatively.

5.    He advised that the development had clear community backing and that a new modest family home would contribute to the community's sustainability.

6.    He referred to local planning policies supporting the construction of new, smaller homes in rural areas along with the supplementary planning document for the area, and the Micheldever Village Design Statement (VDS).

7.    He concluded by urging the committee to permit the application, underscoring the benefits to the local community without significantly altering the area's character.

The committee proceeded to ask questions and debate the application and received advice from the Legal Officer regarding potential conditions concerning occupancy and the use of the property as a holiday let.

RESOLVED:

The committee voted against the recommendation to refuse planning permission and instead voted to grant permission for the proposal. In reaching this decision they raised the following material planning matters which weighed in favour of granting planning permission:

1.    That this was a small dwelling, providing sustainable downsizing in a rural area.

2.    That the committee attached weight to the amount of local support that had been demonstrated.

3.    That the committee did not consider any material harm in the intensification of different uses.

4.    That the proposal/form was compatible with the character of the area.

5.    That the committee felt that the proposal was in accordance with policy MTRA3 as an undefined settlement and that the sustainability and rural location, and unique circumstances of the site and compatibility with the area as an existing building outweighed any issues related to non-compatibility with this policy.

The case officer proposed a series of planning conditions, the details of which were to be delegated to the Chair of the Planning Committee in consultation with the Service Lead: Built Environment and to include the following.

1.    The development is to be carried out in accordance with submitted plans.

2.    Details are to be provided regarding the delineation of agricultural land from residential garden.

3.    That external facing materials are to match the existing building.

4.    A scheme of landscaping including planting arrangements and means of enclosure to be provided.

5.    Additional hard surfaces, if proposed, are to be included in the landscaping scheme.

6.    Standard conditions relating to:

·       Habitat regulations

·       Nutrient neutrality

·       Surface water and foul drainage