Issue - meetings

Extension of existing sheltered accommodation to form 6 no additional flats.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions.

The Committee received the planning application for the extension of existing sheltered accommodation to form 6 additional flats (pages 147-157 of the agenda pack). The Officer reported that the application had been reduced to develop 4 flats (rather than 6) further to concerns raised at the Members’ site visit about the loss of an oak tree (which would now remain).   Some committee members expressed concern that 2 units had been lost to save a tree when there were many older people in the borough needing care.  Other committee members stated that the presence of the tree would add to residents’ quality of life. The Committee agreed that the applicant could submit a future application for an additional 2 units.

There would be no adverse impact on surrounding residents’ amenities due to the distance and screening of the development.  In response to a member’s concern the planning officer reported that window sizes to the east of the elevation could be made larger but agreement of this would have to be delegated to an officer. 

RESOLVED

To approve planning application HGY/2011/0615 for the extension of existing sheltered accommodation to form 4 additional flats subject to the following conditions:

Conditions:

1. The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the expiration of 3 years from the date of this permission, failing which the permission shall be of no effect.

Reason: This condition is imposed by virtue of the provisions of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and to prevent the accumulation of unimplemented planning permissions.

2. The development hereby authorised shall be carried out in complete accordance with the plans and specifications submitted to, and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the approved details and in the interests of amenity.

3. The external materials to be used for the proposed alteration shall match in colour, size, shape and texture those of the existing building.

Reason: In order to ensure a satisfactory appearance for the proposed development, to safeguard the visual amenity of the neighbouring properties and the appearance of the locality.     

REASONS FOR APPROVAL

The proposal to provide 6 additional-one bedroom self contained flats for special housing needs will not represent an excessive intensity of the site which would not adversely affect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers. The proposed units designed to a good standard are in compliance with the Council's Unitary Development Plan Policies UD3 'General Principles', UD4 'Quality Design', HSG7 'Housing for Special Needs', M10 'Parking for Development', CW1 'New Community Facilities', CSV1 'Development in Conservation Areas', CSV5 'Alterations and Extensions in Conservation Areas' and SPG 1a 'Design Guidance and Design Statements', SPG11b 'Building Suitable for Community Use', Housing Supplementary Planning Document October 2008 of the Haringey's  Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Section 106: No