Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 21/02316/FPH be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager and the following additional condition:

·         Condition 4 to be added with the following:

“The first floor side window in the proposed north elevation of the side extension shall be permanently glazed with obscure glass and shall be permanently fixed closed.

Reason: To safeguard the privacy of the occupiers of the adjacent dwelling.”

The Planning Officer advised there was one update to the report and this related to an amended scheme received from the agent to ensure no overhang of the footpath to the side of the site.

The Planning Officer presented the report in respect of application 21/02316/FPH supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Tom Tyson

·         Councillor Michael Muir

In response to questions, the Planning Officer advised:

·         It was not known the exact width of the footbath to the side of the site. 

·         It was advised not to build to the boundary of the site, where this would cause terracing or adversely affect the street scheme, but that was not deemed applicable to this application.

The Chair invited the Member Advocate, Councillor Mandi Tandi, to speak against the application.

Councillor Tandi thanked the Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee and gave a verbal presentation including:

·         The Parish Council had objected to this application.

·         The first floor side extension was to extend to the boundary of the site, which is against North Herts District Council policy.

·         The height and extent of the gable wall will have a heavy impact on the use of the footpath and the extension would overhang the boundary.

·         A previous application had to be altered following it being too close to the boundary and to minimise the overbearing impact, so there was precedent on this issue.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·         Councillor Michael Muir

·         Councillor Mike Rice

·         Councillor David Levett

·         Councillor Tom Tyson

In response to points raised in the debate, the Planning Officer advised:

·         The condition covering the glazed window overlooking the neighbouring property could be extended to ensure the window is non-opening, to ensure the privacy of the residents.

·         The neighbouring property had the main house and then several ancillary buildings up to the end of the boundary.

Councillor Tom Tyson proposed and Councillor David Levett seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That application 21/02316/FPH be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions outlined in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager and the following additional condition:

·         Condition 4 to be added with the following:

“The first floor side window in the proposed north elevation of the side extension shall be permanently glazed with obscure glass and shall be permanently fixed closed.

Reason: To safeguard the privacy of the occupiers of the adjacent dwelling.”