Agenda item

Ward

Ashford Town

Proposal

Erection of a second floor extension to create an additional flat, and alternations to an existing approved 1 bed flat together with external alternations and provision of cycle parking and refuse storage.

Officer Recommendation

This application is recommended for approval.

Description:

Erection of a second floor extension to create an additional flat, and alterations to an existing approved 1 bed flat together with external alterations and provisions of cycle parking and refuse storage.

Additional Information:

Amended plans have been provided to show the proposed eastern side elevation to have obscure glazing below 1.7m to ensure no loss of privacy to neighbouring sites.

Imposition of obscure glazing condition: -

Condition: - Prior to the occupation of the development hereby permitted the second floor windows on the eastern flank elevation shall be obscure glazed and be non-opening to a minimum height of 1.7 metres above internal floor level in accordance with details/samples of the type of glazing pattern to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  These windows shall thereafter be permanently retained as installed.

Reason: -To safeguard the privacy of the adjoining properties in accordance with policies SP6 and EN1 of the Spelthorne Borough Core Strategy and Policies Development Plan Document 2009.

Amendment to Condition 2 below (plan numbers)

The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans and drawings:

Site location Plan 086-L01

Front elevations 086-E01

West elevation 086-E03

Southern elevation 086-E04

Ground floor plan 086-P00

First floor plan 086-P01

Second floor plan 086-P02

Roof plan 086-L02 all received on 22 December 2020.

Proposed Section AA and BB both numbered 086-S 01 received on 15 February 2021.

Block plan number 086-L 03 received on 17/03/2021.

Amended East elevation 086-E02 Rev A received on 31/03/2021.

Reason: - For the avoidance of doubt and in the interest of proper planning

Public Speaking:

In accordance with the Council’s procedure for speaking at meetings, Councillor O. Rybinski spoke as Ward Councillor against the proposed development raising the following key points:

i)     the site is already developed and expansion would impact on the look of the building,

ii)    parking within Wolsey Road is already an issue so another flat may increase the problem,

iii)   residents were concerned about emergency vehicles being able to gain access and egress this part of the road due to an increase in cars parking on the road

iv)   residents were concerned that other properties in the street maybe converted into flats as they want the street to remain full of nice family homes.

Debate:

During the debate the following key issues were raised:

i)             this application had previously been refused and had gone to appeal with the Planning Inspector upholding the decision based solely on the design of the building and had no issues with parking or overdevelopment,

ii)            the design of the building has been changed in an attempt to better fit in with the street scene,

iii)           the new design complies with planning requirements in relation to surrounding properties,

iv)           as the local population grows, buildings need to be changed to accommodate this growth,

v)            the clock face feature is retained, reflecting the history of the building,

vi)           the patio area for the proposed site may overlook surrounding gardens, causing loss of privacy, and

vii)          there are parking issues on the surrounding roads.

Decision:

The application was APPROVED