Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of application – Single Storey side extension incorporating a garage to the front of the property.

Oral representations in objection to and in support of the application were received at the meeting. Objections to the application from Ward Members Councillors Simon Fawthrop and Douglas Auld, sent via email dated 13 and 14 April 2014, were circulated and reported.  Councillor Fawthrop objections referred to the outcomes of Planning Appeals APP/G5180/D12/2175539, APP/G5180/D/12/2187535 and APPG5180/D/13/2209765.  His objections stated that the first two appeals had been dismissed as the Inspectors had taken into account the effect a proposed development would have on the character and appearance of Petts Wood, being an Area of Special Residential Character, but that the last Inspector’s report, dated 14 January 2014,  had, in his opinion, been an aberration compared with the first two reports, out of kilter and went against the previous two Inspectors’ decisions.  Councillor Tony Owen reported that Jo Johnson MP had written a letter of complaint to the Planning Inspectorate.

The Chief Planner’s representative advised Members that officers considered that the concerns of the first two Inspectors in relation to the erosion of sidespace were primarily with the first floor extension.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reason:-

1.  The proposed extension, by reason of its design and siting, would erode the space between the buildings and would result in a detrimental impact on the character, rhythm and spatial standards of the streetscene and this part of the Petts Wood Area of Special Residential Character, contrary to Policies BE1, H8 and H10 of the Unitary Development Plan.