Issue - meetings

Conversion of property from single occupancy house to 1 x three bed flat and 1 x one bed flat.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

The Committee was informed that the application site was located on the northern side of Aylmer Road, between the intersections with The Bishops Avenue and Bancroft Avenue respectively, and close to the boundary with the London Borough of Barnet.  The site was adjoined by similar large residential properties and most have their own driveways and forecourts.  The property was not in a Conservation Area.

The subject site was not in an area that had reached its capacity for conversions.  Furthermore, the site was not within an identified restricted conversion area.  The proposed conversion essentially required only internal refurbishment of the existing property and did not result in more than one flat per floor and would retain one family unit with the three bedroom flat,  therefore no loss of family accommodation.  The site was located within adequate proximity to public transport options and a number of non-residential facilities, including shops. 

The development essentially involved internal building works, modifications only and no proposed changes to the external elevation of the property.   Alteration works were proposed to the side walkway along the eastern boundary of the site adjoining the property at No. 24 Aylmer Road.  These works were considered to be an improvement on the existing inconsistent building approach on the site. The applicant had advised that the external construction materials were to match those of the existing property.  The proposal was considered to be acceptable in relation to design and scale.  The property had a long rear garden.  The plans detailed two vehicle accesses, space for three car parking bays and this was considered more than the minimum requirement for two flats.

An local resident addressed the Committee and objected to the proposal because it did not meet the requirements of the UDP.  The forecourt could accommodate three cars, however if cars were to enter and leave in forward gear this would mean that it would only be feasible to park two cars therefore, creating parking pressure which would be intolerable for neighbours.  The bay windows adjacent to the garden would create overlooking and neighbours would lose amenity.  The property was not suitable for a house conversion and not commensurate with the character of Alymer Road and there was no need for flats.  No other house in Alymer Road had been converted.

The location was not suitable as there was poor public transport and no nearby shops.  The plans were riddled with errors as the kitchen vent could not be sited as shown on the application because there was a skylight in the roof.  Three trees were also omitted from the plans.  Two hundred local residents had objected to the proposals by letter, email and petition.

Cllr Gorrie addressed the Committee and expressed his concern regarding the proposed parking layout at the site.  He felt that this application would set a precedence for the rest of the street.  There was a 50 mile per hour speed limit along the road and therefore it was considered not to be safe to manoeuvre and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 271