Issue - meetings

DEFERRED

Description of application – Part one/two storey rear extension to provide enlarged restaurant space on ground floor, and staff live/work accommodation on first floor with ventilation ducting.

Oral representations in support of the application were received.

Oral representation from visiting Ward Member Councillor Mike Botting in support of the application were also received at the meeting. It was considered that the application would be beneficial to the local area for a number of reasons and the proposed extension was not out of keeping with other premises nearby. Councillor Botting therefore urged Members to approve the application in order to increase the capacity of the restaurant and provide a cleaner and tidier environment to the rear of the shops.

The Assistant Director, Planning clarified that the heading of sections 7.3 – Design, layout and scale and 7.6 – Neighbouring amenity in the report should both read ‘unacceptable’.

Councillor Samaris Huntington-Thresher noted concerns regarding the loss of amenities; overlooking neighbouring properties; positioning of the flue; and risk of severance of the property. Councillor Huntington-Thresher moved deferral.

Councillor Christine Harris stated that she had visited the site and considered that the size and bulk of the proposed extension would result in a loss of privacy for neighbouring properties and she therefore supported the officer’s recommendation and moved refusal.

Councillor Suraj Sharma said he did not feel that the proposed extension would be harmful to the character of the area and was not convinced that there would be a loss of amenity to neighbours. Councillor Sharma moved permission.

The Chairman seconded deferral.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that the application be DEFERRED, without prejudice to any future consideration to be considered at a future Plans Sub-Committee for the following reason:-

1. To reduce the size of the two storey element and investigate repositioning the extract flue or providing additional filtration.