Agenda item

25 Main Street, Holwell

Location:     The Bungalow, 25 Main Street, Holwell, Leicestershire, LE14 4SZ

Proposal:     Change of Use of Existing Paddock to Residential Curtilage and Extension and Alterations to existing Dwelling.

 

The Planning Development Team Leader, Chhaya Pancholi, addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application. Members asked questions for clarification.

 

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a three minute presentation:

·       Simon Wilkinson-Blake, Objector

-        One of 20 objectors.

-        Size of development is inappropriate for the area.

-        Result in substantial harm to the conservation area.

-        Harmful impact upon the neighbourhood dwelling.

-        Development into open countryside.

·       James Botterill, Agent

-        Existing property is in need of renovation.

-        Opportunity to create a building with a better design.

-        Existing property makes a negative impact but the application would have a positive impact upon the conversation scheme.

-        No material harm to surrounding neighbourhood properties.

·       Councillor J. Orson, Ward Councillor

-        Unspoilt village.

-        Unusual for applications to cause an issue.

-        20 comments from 19 households.

-        Residential curtilage and don’t know why it is necessary.

-        There would be impact upon visual on two residential properties.

 

It was noted that the application would have an impact on the neighbour and paddock.

 

Applicant and agent has been working with Planning Officers. In terms of building out, the building wouldn’t stick out too much when compared to the rest of the street.

 

Councillor Pritchett proposed to accept the application with the conditions that work would only take place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm on Saturday and conditions outlined within the report. Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the application be APPROVED.

 

(Unanimous)

 

REASONS

An extension to a residential dwelling represents sustainable development and so is acceptable in principle in accordance with Local Plan policy SS1. The principle of the proposed change of use of part of the existing paddock to residential curtilage is supported under policy SS2 taking into account the limited expansion of the residential curtilage within the site context, and the fact that extensions an existing dwelling is a form of development considered necessary and appropriate within the open countryside.

 

The planning policy context has changed significantly between the 2004 application for extensions to the existing bungalow which was refused and the outline consent in 1984. The application is supported by a Heritage Statement, the scheme adequately shows the proposed development would have a neutral impact upon Holwell Conservation Area and the setting of the adjacent listed cottages would be preserved in accordance with Local Plan policy EN13. The design of the proposed extension seeks to replicate the form of the neighbouring traditional agricultural outbuildings and the pallet of materials proposed would reference the local vernacular as required by Neighbourhood Plan H4. Therefore the siting, scale and design of the proposal is considered acceptable and would not result in an incongruous form of development in this location. There are also no identifiable adverse impacts on the character of the application site or wider settlement.

 

As a result of the segregated pedestrian access gate the proposal would represent a betterment to the treatment of the PROW which passes through the site. Furthermore, the proposal is acceptable in terms of its potential impacts on neighbouring residential amenity, highway safety and ecology. The development therefore also accords with Policies EN1, D1 and IN2 of the Local Plan in these respects.