Issue - meetings

APPROVED

Proposed single storey front extension with new porch and part side extension and conversion of existing garage to habitable accommodation, single storey rear extension, loft conversion with rear dormer, roof alterations to form crown roof feature and roof lights.

The Planning Officer confirmed to Members that this application previously came before the Plans 3 Sub-Committee meeting on 18^th April 2024. The application was deferred to ask the applicant to consider removing the rear dormer to be replaced with Velux windows. The application was already a modification of a previously refused scheme (refused in June 2023 on the grounds of bulk, size and scale).

The Applicant had confirmed that as the proposal regarding the windows for this revised application would not be a workable solution within his design, can Members determine the application in its current form. In an update, Members noted that seven letters of support for the application had been received from dwellings in Hayes Mead Road.

An oral representation in objection to the application was received from a neighbour. A photo had also been circulated to Members showing the proximity of the Speaker’s garden to the Applicant’s property. Members heard the following:

-  Concerns that the rear dormer window would overlook the neighbour’s property, kitchen, lounge, dining room and garden resulting in a loss of privacy. It was felt that properties should be protected from being overlooked.

-  The Applicant had ignored the request to use Velux windows as a preferred alternative.

-  Worries that the floor void could be filled-in in the future and converted into a habitable room meaning the Applicant would be able to come right up to the window.

-  The Applicant has planted bushes to eventually form a kind of screening but there was concern they could grow and block light which was essential to the Speaker’s health.

-  The neighbours did not object to the whole plan, just the part regarding the windows and being overlooked.

In response to Member’s questions, the Speaker confirmed that they were not directly overlooked by other neighbours in the same way and that the use of frosted glass in the dormer window would be acceptable.

An oral representation in support of the application was then received from the Applicant. Members were informed that:

-  The bungalow required extensive improvements and the current plan was to create an open-plan living space with high ceilings within a design that was in-keeping with the area.

-  No objections to the actual design had been received from the Planning Department.

-  The use of frosted glass for the rear dormer window did not fit in with the design plan.

-  The Applicant had already modified and reduced the plan from the application previously refused in June 2023.

-  There were no plans to fill in the floor space in the future.

-  Bushes had been planted to hopefully form screening between the properties.

In response to Members’ questions the Applicant confirmed that he did not want to use fully  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4