Issue - meetings

Demolition of 33 existing lock-up garages and erection of 4 x 2 storey four

bedroom houses with basement floors and associated landscaping and car parking (AMENDED DESCRIPTION).

RECOMMENDATION: grant permission to replace extant permission subject to conditions

The Committee considered a report, previously circulated, on the application to grant planning permission for the land rear of 27-47 Cecile Park N8 for the erection of 4x 2 storey four bedroom houses with basement floors and associated landscaping and car parking. The report set out details of the proposal, the site and surroundings, planning history, relevant planning policy, consultation and responses, analysis, equalities and human rights implications and recommended to replace extant permission subject to conditions. The Planning Officer gave a short presentation highlighting the key aspects of the report. The application followed on from a previous scheme approved in 2010 and for which the Committee had approved the extension of the implementation period for the extant permission in January 2013. The current application was for an amended scheme.

A number of local residents addressed the Committee and raised a series of objections in relation to the application:

·        The size, height and scale of the new development was of concern in addition to the proximity to neighbouring houses, with the associated risk of loss of privacy and light.

·        Basement excavation works had the potential to damage the foundations of nearby houses as well as causing noise and disturbance to neighbours during the building works.

·        Concerns were expressed regarding the potential for the development to cause an increase in the potential for future flash flooding and that no precautions were in place to mitigate this risk.

·        The plans provided were not accurate in reflecting extensions made to neighbouring houses and the larger footprint of the new houses at first floor level.

·        No provisions had been made for landscaping arrangements on site.

·        The design was not inkeeping with the Conservation Area.

The applicant’s representative, Mr Taylor, addressed the Committee and raised the following points:

·        The revised application was not a substantial departure from the currently approved scheme granted by the Committee.

·        The spacing between the houses had been increased and the house ridge heights lowered by 1m from the previous plans.

·        Any risks regarding basement works exacerbating flooding in the area was sufficiently covered under construction conditions proposed by officers. 

·        Following a question from the Committee, confirmation was provided that a landscaping plan was being developed for the site including potential improvements to the north flank retaining wall and the access road.

The Committee discussed additional conditions to be added should the application be approved and agreed for two informatives for the developer to consult with the local neighbours regarding the design of improvements to the access road and also to consult local ward councillors on the naming of the development.

The Chair moved the recommendation of the report including the two additional informatives detailed above and it was

RESOLVED

·        That permission be granted to replace extant permission for application HGY/2012/1705 subject to conditions and the two additional informatives covering consultation on improvements to the access road and the naming of the development.

 Subject to the following conditions:

IMPLEMENTATION

1. The development hereby authorised must be begun not later than the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13