Agenda item

Proposal Description: Item 8: Part single, part 2 storey extension, fenestration changes, minor internal and repair works.

The application was introduced. Members were referred to the Update Sheet which set out an additional condition 9, to read as follows:

“Prior to work commencing on the site a Construction Management Plan shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The Construction Management Plan shall include the following details:

-         Development contacts, roles and responsibilities

-         Hours of operation during any works

-         Construction parking

-         Public communication strategy, including a complaints           procedure.

-         Details of construction traffic management measures including the provisions to be made for the parking and turning on site of       operative      and construction vehicles during the period of development

-         Loading and unloading and storage of plant and materials;

-         Details of measures to be taken to prevent mud from vehicles        leaving the site during construction works being deposited on the public      highway.

Works shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details and the approved measures maintained for the duration of the construction of this development.

Reason: To ensure that the construction work is properly managed and does not cause disturbance to nearby land, properties and businesses.”

In addition, a verbal update was provided at the meeting by the planning case officer advising of updated plans within the presentation to committee in relation to the north elevation and an update to condition 2 (for both the householder and listed applications) regarding this north elevation to read ‘Proposed North Elevation - Drawing No. 1245/P/107 Rev P2 – Received 10.01.2025’.

Furthermore, the case officer reported that the proposed and existing roof plans had been incorporated within the presentation to the committee.

During public participation, David Cooper spoke in objection to the application and Simon Goddard spoke in support of the application and answered Members’ questions thereon.

Councillor Power spoke as Ward Member in objection to the application. In summary, Councillor Power raised the following points:

·       She stated that Wickham House does dominate 13 Mill Hill.

·       It was noted that the aerial photograph on page 137 of the meeting pack was the only photograph showing the proximity of 13 Mill Hill to Wickham House.

·       Councillor Power highlighted that 13 Mill Hill, being a small house with very limited windows, did have quite a lot of open sky visible.

·       Considered that the impact was not just about direct sunlight but was also about ambient light and sight of the sky, which was important.

·       She expressed concern that the second-storey extension would have a significant impact on the light available to the side and rear of 13 Mill Hill, affecting light and sky, which she felt was unacceptable.

·       Reference was made to page 146 of the pack, pointing out the two small windows on the side immediately facing Wickham House, noting that this was the only light available to those windows, to the dining room of 13 Mill Hill, and there would be a significant impact on that room.

·       In addition, she mentioned a proposed new window at first floor level, which would be directly opposite and above the window providing the dining room light.

·       Councillor Power noted that the proposed window had been conditioned as obscure glass, which would help. However, she also pointed out that this window would be opened, and although in theory there's a bath shown just underneath the window, that bath was not guaranteed and was indicative.

·       She stated that the dining room would also be impacted by this window and would lose privacy.

·       Councillor Power stated that she had requested that this application be refused on the grounds of unacceptable impact on the neighbouring property and felt it was unfortunate that neither the submitted plans nor the officer's report properly demonstrates the impact on 13 Mill Hill.

·       A site visit had been requested in her original application and if minded to approve the application, she urged the committee to defer their decision for a visit to be carried out.

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, the     Update Sheet and the verbal update.