Agenda item

PERMISSION

Description of Application: Two storey front extension, part one/two storey rear extension, construction of second floor inset balcony with walk-on flat rooflight, cantilevered porch/carport, conversion of garage into habitable space, elevational alterations to the front, rear and side elevations including the addition of one window to the first floor side elevation and two side rooflights.

The Principal Planner provided a brief introduction to the application and it was noted that officers had recommended that the application be approved, subject to conditions. The property was not listed, and did not fall with an area of special residential character or a conservation area. The application had been deferred from the meeting of the Plans 2 Committee on 17^th February. The Principal Planner said that it was not considered that the proposals would give rise to any harmful overlooking or loss of amenity or privacy.

The PP stated that with regards to the proposed condition for the maintenance of the unadopted road (St George’s Road). This road was an unadopted highway that the public had a right of way over. There was no requirement for the imposition of a condition requiring the applicant to make repairs to the road. The PP said that it was recommended that condition 5 be removed and an informative be added instead that would remind the applicant of duty to maintain the road.

Oral representations were received in objection and in support of the application.     

Councillor Dean moved for approval and this was seconded by Councillor Scoates.    

Councillor Thompson agreed that approval should be granted as long as the extension was not used for commercial use. The Principal Planner said that a condition to that effect should be fine. The Council’s Legal Representative said that if the property were to be used for commercial activity then this would constitute a material change of use. He said that it was not necessary to impose a condition to prevent a breach of planning control.

Members, having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED THAT PERMISSION BE GRANTED for the reasons and subject to the conditions outlined in the report and the following:

Remove Condition 5 – Road Condition Survey

Add Informative

2.  The Applicant is advised that the additional accommodation hereby approved shall be used only for purposes incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house known as Lawnside, St Georges Road, Bickley, and any other uses such as separate independent commercial or business use may comprise a material change of use of the dwelling house (or part thereof) and may require express planning permission.

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