Agenda item

REFUSED

Single storey rear extension to provide additional space for the veterinary surgery.

In a presentation given by Planning, the Committee were informed that the application had previously been refused and subsequently dismissed on appeal. The application now proposes a similar extension in terms of its depth and width, however the current scheme has reduced the height of the extension above ground level.

An oral representation was received from one of the veterinary surgeons at Kings Road Veterinary Surgery in support of the application. It was highlighted to the Committee that there was no intention to increase the footfall to the surgery and the extension was planned to not be intrusive to neighbours. The extension was needed to provide better services for customers without the need to refer them elsewhere.

The speaker stated that veterinary procedures, x-rays, consultations etc should ideally all be provided in separate rooms, but this was not currently possible due to restrictions on space.

Following a question from a Committee Member regarding the need for more space, the speaker confirmed to the Committee that veterinary pharmaceuticals are required to be stored away and out of sight and this isn’t currently the case. Also, there is a need for a sterile operating theatre and x-rays should be carried out in a separate room. The speaker also stated that it has proved difficult to find another site.

Visiting Ward Member, Councillor Melanie Stevens, gave an oral representation outlining her reasons for requesting a deferral of the application. Councillor Stevens stated that a lot of the conditions previously imposed are not being adhered to or enforced eg surgery opening hours and staff rotas. If approved, Councillor Stevens requested that all conditions need to be tightened.

The Committee then discussed the application further, including the need to make a decision based on planning grounds. It was noted that minimal changes had been made with the current application and they did not fully answer the Inspector’s concerns from the previous appeal.

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

The proposed development, by reason of its excessive depth and overall scale would be overbearing and would cause unacceptable harm to the amenity of the occupiers of neighbouring dwellings Nos. 121 and 125 Kings Road, contrary to Policy 37 of the Bromley Local Plan.