Agenda item - BH2015/03422 - 18 McWilliam Road, Brighton - Householder Planning Consent

Hip to gable roof extensions, creation of rear dormers and insertion of frontrooflights.

RECOMMENDATION – REFUSE

Hip to gable roof extensions, creation of rear dormers and insertion of front rooflights.

1)               This application had been the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

              Officer Presentation

2)               The Planning Manager (Applications), Nicola Hurley, gave a presentation by reference to plans, photographs and elevational drawings. The site related to a detached bungalow on the eastern side of the road. A previous application on this property had been refused and was currently the subject of an appeal. The new scheme was still considered unacceptable resulting in a top heavy form by virtue of the bulk and scale; the dormers in the rear were also excessive and contrary to guidance. For the reasons set out in the report the application was recommended for refusal.

Public Speaker(s) and Questions

3)               Councillor Simson spoke in her capacity as the Local Ward Councillor in support of the scheme. She stated that the Woodingdean area was characterised by a variety of different building styles; many people moved to the area as it was more affordable and wished to extend their homes when their families grew. No neighbours had objected to the scheme and the application should not be refused simply because the wider area was predominantly bungalows. The proposal was also considered better than some other schemes that had been built in the area under permitted development.

4)               Mr Kendall spoke in support of the application in his capacity as the applicant. He explained that he wished to extend the home for his growing family. Using photographs he highlighted the variety of styles in the area and some of the changes that had been made to other properties. He added that he believed the barn-end design was appropriate for a detached property and noted that the rear dormers were in line with guidance by being set in from the rear wall.

Questions for Officers, Debate and Decision Making Process

5)               In response to Councillor Mac Cafferty it was confirmed that it was likely some of the properties shown by the applicant would have had works completed under permitted development rights.

6)               Councillor Mac Cafferty stated he would not support the Officer recommendation as he was satisfied the application would not cause harm to the immediate area.

7)               Councillor C. Theobald noted she agreed with Councillor Mac Cafferty and noted there was a variety of different styles in the street.

8)               Councillor Wares stated he did not consider that the application would harm the streetscene.

9)               Councillor Morris stated that he would support the Officer recommendation.

10)            Councillor Gilbey stated there were clear reasons to depart from guidance, and for this reason she would not support the Officer recommendation.

11)            The Chair noted that the design was good, the dormers at the rear would not be visible and there would be no harm to the public  realm.

12)            A vote was taken of the eleven Members present and the Officer recommendation that the application be refused was not carried on a vote of 1 for and 10 against. Reasons were then proposed to grant the application by Councillor Mac Cafferty and these were seconded by Councillor Wares.  A recorded vote was then taken and Councillors: Cattell, Gilbey, C. Theobald, Mac Cafferty, Barradell, Bennett, Hamilton, Inkpin-Leissner, Littman and Wares voted that permission be granted;, Councillor Morris voted that permission be refused.

130.5    RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration the Officer recommendation, but resolves to GRANT planning permission for the reason set out below together with the conditions listed:

                    i.          The proposed development does not represent an unduly bulky roof form which would give the recipient property a top heavy and incongruous appearance that fails to respect the character and appearance of the recipient property and is in line with the McWilliam Road streetscape.

Conditions

                    i.          The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.               

Reason: To ensure that the Local Planning Authority retains the right to review unimplemented permissions.

                  ii.          The external finishes of the development hereby permitted shall match in material, colour, style, bonding and texture those of the existing building.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development in the interests of the visual amenities of the area and to comply with policies QD1 and QD14 of the saved Brighton & Hove Local Plan.