Issue - meetings

HPR2020/29

The Committee considered recently introduced Permitted Development (PD) rights which allowed blocks of flats to extend upwards by up to two storeys to provide new residential units. They also allowed existing office blocks to be demolished and rebuilt.  Members were requested to approve various restrictions on the use of these PD rights in relation to a number of potential impacts.

The report also provided an update on changes to the Use Classes Order and an update on proposed future PD rights relating to 5G.

The Head of Planning Policy and Strategy acknowledged the significant changes which undermined the Local Plan, the full impact of which would not be known for a couple of years and could be quite severe.

A report considering the introduction of Article 4 Directions for building houses/flats in certain areas would be submitted to the DCC meeting in November.

Councillor Fawthrop raised concern in relation to the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential accommodation and moved that an Article 4 Direction be considered in regard to protecting the Green Belt. Councillor Fawthrop also moved that Article 4 Directions be brought in to protect bungalows from upwards extension as this type of accommodation was much sought after by the older population and those people wishing to downsize their property in later life.  The Chairman seconded the motion.

RESOLVED that the details of the new planning legislation and the discussion of potential impacts be noted and that consideration be given to the introduction of Article 4 Directions in regard to the conversion of agricultural buildings to residential accommodation and to protect bungalows from upwards extension.