Agenda item

Erection of 2 dwellings (outline)

The Committee considered a report of the Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of 2 dwellings (outline) on land to the east of 3 Whitehill Hall Gardens, Chester le Street (for copy see file of Minutes).

L Ollivere, Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included a location plan, aerial photograph and site photographs.  The Planning Officer informed the Committee that local residents had advised they were unable to attend the meeting due to work commitments.  Members of the Committee had visited the site the previous day and were familiar with the location and setting.

A Mowbray, local resident addressed the Committee to object to the application.  The proposed development would lead to a loss of privacy to his property which was located on the other side of the wall from the proposed development.  The proposed development would also lead to an increase in traffic in the area with a lack of parking provision.

E Dunn, local resident addressed the Committee to object to the application.  She had livd in the area for three years and the proposed development would lead to a loss of privacy at her property, which currently was not overlooked to the front or back.  The development would lead to a loss of the private and secluded character of the street.  There was no on street visitor parking available and the development would lead to an increase in traffic and visitors.

J Ridgeon, agent for the applicant addressed the Committee.  Any concerns which remained could be addressed at the detailed design stage of the application, and there were no technical constraints for the application to be refused.  The proposed two dwellings could be accommodated with amenity distances, the separation distances would be over 21 metres.  The development could take place while affording protection to the garden wall.  The development would lead to a housing density of 28 dwellings per hectare which was not over-development.  Mr Ridgeon asked that the Committee approve the application.

Councillor Martin informed the Committee that he had listened to points made by the supporter of the application but considered that the change of character to the area which this development would result in had not been addressed.

Councillor Hopgood informed the Committee that she had listened to the representations put forward.  She considered that the proposed development would have an adverse effect on the character of the street and believed that open spaces should be protected.  The proposed development was not acceptable and Councillor Hopgood moved that the application be refused.

Councillor Boyes considered there was no issue with the proposed separation distances for the proposed development.  However, it failed to meet NPPF 12 which related to achieving well-designed places and NPPF 15 and 16 which related to conserving and enhancing the natural environment and conserving and enhancing the historic environment.  Councillor Boyes seconded refusal of the application.

Councillor D Bell informed the Committee that he had attended the site visit and considered that the proposed development would spoil the character of the area.

Upon a vote being taken it was

Resolved:

That the application be refused for the reasons stated in the report.