Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 20/00637/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio Recording – 5 minutes 50 seconds.

Conversion of existing barn and grain store to provide two 4-bed and one 3-bed dwellings. Erection of two 4-bed dwellings, associated car parking, landscaping and ancillary works.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report in respect of application 20/00637/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

Ms Jessica Hall thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation including:

·                The existing structures were a good example of a 19^th century model farm and formed a non-designated heritage asset;

·                Consent for this development had been granted previously but work had not commenced before the 3 year allotment and therefore permission had lapsed;

·                The proposed development would retain and protect the existing buildings;

·                Intervention was necessary to preserve these heritage assets;

·                Commercial and agricultural uses were not viable and therefore a sympathetic residential development was the only option;

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Val Bryant

In response to questions Ms Hall advised:

·                Since the first application regulations on protected species had changed;

·                A bat survey had been required and was completed;

·                The central barn area had open roof space and was retained in the proposed development, providing roosting areas for bats.

The Chair thanked Ms Jessica Hall for her presentation.

The following Members asked questions and took part in the debate:

·                Councillor Tony Hunter

·                Councillor Tom Tyson

·                Councillor Val Bryant

·                Councillor Daniel Allen

·                Councillor David Levett

In response to questions the Principal Planning Officer advised:

·                There was provision in the recommendations for electric vehicle (EV) charging points and imposing more might be considered unreasonable;

·                The conditions in the report on vehicle access had been imposed on the recommendation of Herts County Council Highways officers and would have to be fulfilled prior to occupation.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed, Councillor Tony Hunter seconded and it was:

RESOLVED: That application 20/00637/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.