Agenda item - BH2015/00529 11 Radinden Drive, Hove - Householder planning consent

Remodelling of dwelling incorporating two storey front and rear extensions, roof alterations, enlargement of existing garage including additional floor and associated works.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Hove Park

Remodelling of dwelling incorporating two storey front and rear extensions, roof alterations, enlargement of existing garage including additional floor and associated works.

(1)          The Planning Manager, Applications, Nicola Hurley gave a presentation by reference to site plans, floor plans elevational drawings and photographs showing the previously refused scheme and the amended scheme for which permission was now sought.

(2)          It was explained that the main considerations in the determining this application related to the impact of the proposal upon the visual amenities of the parent property, the street scene and the wider area. The previous scheme had been refused as it had been considered that that proposed roof form and materials were of an incongruous appearance and would be at odds with Radinden Drive and the surrounding area. The revised scheme sought permission for remodelling of the existing dwelling incorporating two storey front and rear extensions, roof alterations and enlargement of the existing garage including an additional floor and associated works. During the course of the application the size of the first floor roof terrace area had been further reduced in size with the inclusion of privacy screening.

(3)          It was considered that the previous reasons for refusal had been overcome and that the proposed development was of an appropriate height, scale, bulk and design and would make a positive contribution to the visual amenity of its surroundings. The development would not cause significant harm to neighbouring amenity by way of loss of light, privacy or outlook, or increased overshadowing, noise or disturbance and approval was therefore recommended.

              Questions of Officers

(4)       Councillor Hyde enquired regarding the materials to be used on the elevations and cladding materials used on some developments in the past that had worn/weathered badly. Councillor Hyde also requested that an informative be added to any permission granted seeking approval of materials to be used to be agreed in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and Opposition Spokesperson. The Chair and other Committee Members confirmed they were in agreement that this should be done.

(5)       Councillor Simson sought clarification regarding the number of different materials to be used for detailing on the building. It was explained that whilst the previous application had sought to use too many diverse textures, finishes and materials this had been rationalised in the revised scheme and was now considered to be appropriate and to have overcome the previous reasons for refusal.

            Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          Councillor West stated that he considered that it was wasteful of materials and otherwise to remodel the existing building which was structurally sound and to replace it with another building of a totally different appearance; effectively to demolish a building for no other reason than to replace it with a dwelling house of a different style. That was a concept which he found very challenging.

(7)          Councillors Simson and Robins stated that whilst they had some sympathy with that view it was not a planning consideration.

(8)          A vote was taken and on a vote of 10 to 1 with 1 abstention planning permission was granted.

189.4      RESOLVED - That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out in section 11  of the report and the policies and guidance in section 7 and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and Informatives set out in section 11. An additional Condition (7) and informative as set out below to be added:

Condition 7:

No development shall take place above ground floor slab level of any part of the development hereby permitted shall take place above ground floor slab level of any part of the development hereby permitted shall take place until samples of all materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, including (where applicable):

a)samples of all brick, render and tiling (including details of the colour of render/paintwork to be used)

b)samples of all cladding to be used, including details of their treatment to protect against weathering

c)samples of all hard surfacing materials

d)samples of the proposed window, door and balcony treatments

e)samples of all other materials to be used externally

Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development and to comply with policies QD1 and QD14 of the Brighton & Hove Local Plan.

An additional informative as follows: 

The applicant is advised that the details required by condition 7 are to be delegated for agreement to the Planning and Building control Applications Manager in consultation with the Chair, Deputy Chair and the Opposition Spokesperson

              Note: Councillor Littman voted that the above application be refused. Councillor West abstained.