Agenda item

Proposal Description: Item 7: Proposed new dwelling attached to no.10 Baigent Close. Demolition of existing outbuilding and proposed outbuilding within the garden of proposed dwelling.   

The application was introduced. Members were referred to the Update Sheet which set out the following matters:

(i)             Signed and completed allocation agreement in respect of nutrient mitigation received on 1 November 2024, confirming that appropriate nutrient mitigation can be delivered if approved.

(ii)            An additional condition as follows:

          No development shall take place until a Construction Management                     Plan (CMP) has been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning       Authority, to include details of:

                     i. construction traffic routes in the local area

                     ii. parking and turning of operative, construction and visitor                          vehicles

                     iii. deliveries, loading and unloading of plant and materials

                     iv. storage of plant and materials

                     v. programme of works (including measures for traffic                                 management)

          The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved           CMP details during the construction period.

          Reason: To ensure that development should not prejudice highway              safety nor cause inconvenience to other highway users or result in any        other significant harm to the amenity of local residents, or to existing natural features.

During public participation, Anthony Hill spoke in objection to the application and Jeremy Tyrell (agent) spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

Councillor Tippett-Cooper spoke as Ward Member. In summary, Councillor Tippett-Cooper raised the following points:

·       Stated that he was primarily there to support the residents of Baigent Close and their concerns about the application.

·       Acknowledged the officer's report and findings, noting that the key material planning considerations were the impact on the character of the street and the wider area, as well as the impact on neighbouring amenity.

·       Expressed real concerns about the suggestion that the application does not cause material harm to the neighbouring residential amenity.

·       Made reference to Mr Hill's opposition to the application, highlighting that the proposed new house in a small, densely built close would sit on top of a hill, with an additional outbuilding planned on even higher land.

·       He argued that such an application in a larger street of detached homes would result in significant concerns, and in a dense area like this, the concerns should be even more acute.

·       He disagreed with the report's assessment that the overshadowing impact on No. 9 Baigent Close would be limited, calling it a subjective assessment and suggesting it would be much more extensive.

·       He noted that Mr Hill had provided evidence showing how the new building would overshadow and overlook numbers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 Baigent Close, issues not fully addressed in the report.

·       He pointed out a striking demonstration in the presentation showing how the proposed dwelling would loom over 11 Baigent Close and a large part of the tight-knit community.

·       Emphasised that many residents had voiced their concerns through Mr Hill, who spoke effectively on their behalf.

·       Councillor Tippett-Cooper argued that the development would have a real and material harm on their amenity and stressed the importance of considering evidence from residents.

·       He quoted an email from Mr Hill, highlighting the major impact of the development within a high-density residential area and its close proximity to existing dwellings.

·       Councillor Tippett-Cooper urged the committee to consider the actual human impact on local residents, who would have to live through a disruptive period of demolition and building work, and thereafter in the shadow of the development.

·       It was noted that these were small properties without the luxury of unaffected garden areas or quiet parts of the house, and that some residents were elderly and would find the intrusion difficult to bear.

·       In conclusion, Councillor Tippett-Cooper asked the committee to carefully consider the overlooking and overshadowing impacts before making a decision on the application.

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               Update Sheet, with an additional condition to remove Permitted                Development Rights.