Issue - meetings

Demolition of existing family dwelling and erection of two storey dwelling

with rooms in the roof.

RECOMMENDATION: GRANT PERMISION subject to conditions

The Committee considered planning applications HGY/2009/2090 and HGY/2009/ 2091 together.

The Committee considered two reports, previously circulated, which gave details of the applications, the applicant’s case, the site and its environment, planning history and all of the relevant planning factors and policies.

The Planning Officer gave a summary of the report outlining the salient points and took questions from members of the Committee. It was noted that the Committee should disregard the reference to a basement floor as this was incorrect.

At the invitation of the Chair, Mr Shane of 40 Stormont Road and Mr Davidson of 14 Deanwood Road, spoke in objection to the application and following their statements the Committee put questions to them.

In response to a question Mr Davidson confirmed that he considered that the proposed scheme was out of keeping with the local area due to its scale and mass. He also contended that by building up to the edge of the boundary the semi rural character of the area would be altered.

In response to a question Mr Shane advised that he and other residents considered that it would be more appropriate for the existing building to be renovated.

It was noted that in order for a building in a Conservation Area to be protected from demolition it had to be demonstrated that it made a positive contribution to the Conservation Area or that it was of special architectural merit. As set out in the report the Council’s Conservation Officer did not consider that the building met either of these criteria. In response Mr Shane contended that the existing house was similar in style to a nearby Listed Building, which it was considered to be of architectural merit.

Councillor Rachel Allison, the Local Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. She contended that the footprint and roof of the proposed building were significantly larger than those of the existing building. She also noted that the roof included a flat area that was out of keeping with the character of the local area and that the loss of part of the grass verge to the side of the existing house would alter the semi rural feel of the area.

In conclusion Councillor Allison noted that it would be preferable if the applicant were to renovate the existing property, or if revised plans for a smaller property more in keeping with the character of the local area, were submitted.

In response to a query, Councillor Allison noted the property was situated in a unique area that bordered Hampstead Heath, which was comprised of properties from the inter war period and that the existing property formed a good example of this. Given it’s proximity to the Heath she contended that retaining the semi rural character of the area was important to the character of the local area.

Councillor Allison accepted that there was no single architectural style that dominated the area; however, she noted that there was a uniformity of light and space that pervaded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144