Issue - meetings

REPORT HPR2020/015

Members considered details of the new Upwards Extension Permitted Development (PD) rights published by the Government on 24 June 2020 which allowed purpose built blocks of flats to extend upwards by a maximum of two storeys to provide new residential units.  These rights were due to come into force on 1 August 2020. 

As there were various restrictions on the use of these rights, prior planning approval would be required in relation to potential impacts as highlighted in the report.

The Government’s previous consultation on this matter proved to be unpopular and the Chairman asked Members to consider whether she should write to the Government outlining the Council’s concerns.

Councillor Fawthrop pointed out that the Government intended to extend the Upwards Extension Permitted Development Rights to individual dwellings in the autumn.  In the light of this, he requested that two further recommendations be added to the report as follows:-

·  That the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy undertake preliminary work on implementing Article 4 Directions for specific areas such as Areas of Special Residential Character and bungalows.

·  That the Chairman write to the Secretary of State voicing the Council’s views and concerns.

The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy confirmed that the new PD rights applied only to blocks which were solely residential.  As a number of elements would need to be considered when planning applications were submitted, each application would be decided on its own merits.

RESOLVED that:-

1  the details of the new Upwards Extension PD right and the discussion of potential impacts, be noted;

2  the Head of Planning Policy and Strategy undertake preliminary work on implementing Article 4 Directions for specific areas such as Areas of Special Residential Character and bungalows; and

3  the Chairman write to the Secretary of State voicing the Council’s views and concerns.