Agenda item - BH2018/02355 -1 Lindfield Close, Saltdean -Full Planning

Demolition of existing garage and erection of 1no semi-detached two bedroom dwelling (C3) incorporating widened highway crossover incorporating works to existing dwelling including single storey rear extension and a hip to gable roof extension with rear dormer and front and rear rooflights.

RECOMMENDATION – GRANT

Ward Affected: Rottingdean Coastal

              Demolition of existing garage and erection of 1no semi-detached two bedroom dwelling (C3) incorporating widened highway crossover incorporating works to existing dwelling including single storey rear extension and a hip to gable roof extension with rear dormer and front and rear roof lights

(1)          It was noted that this application had formed the subject of a site visit prior to the meeting.

            Officer Presentation

(2)       The Senior Planning Officer, Luke Austin, introduced the application and gave a presentation by reference to site plans, elevational drawings and photographs detailing the scheme. The application site related to a single storey detached property located to the west of Lindfield Close at the junction with Westmeston Avenue. Lindfield Close rose from south to north, with the application site at the highest point of the street, whilst Westmeston Avenue fell from south-west to north-east. The site itself was wedge shaped and located on a corner plot.

(3)       It was noted that the main considerations in determining this application related to the principle of an additional dwelling on site, the visual impact, the standard of amenity provided, the impact on neighbouring amenity, the sustainability impacts and the sustainable transport implications associated with the proposed development. The proposed bungalow would match the ridge height of the existing building and would include a gable roof which would match the roof works to main house. The semi-detached pair would be of similar proportions and, as a result of the roof works to the existing building, works would be well balanced and would appear in keeping with the scale and proportions properties within the vicinity.

(4)       It was acknowledged that the proposed dwelling would be visible within longer views from the south west on Westmeston Avenue due to the rising level of the street, however it was considered that the stepped rear elevation and lower level of the site would successfully avoid an overly dominant structure within the street. On balance, it was considered that the proposed dwelling and works to the existing dwelling were appropriate in respect of their siting, design and scale and would form an acceptable addition to the street scene. It was recommended that a condition be added in respect of materials to ensure the design and finish of the scheme was appropriate; approval was therefore recommended to include the additional conditions set out in the Late/Additional Representations List to include the removal of permitted development rights.

            Questions of Officers

(5)          Councillor Phillips sought clarification regarding whether planning permission would be required in order to erect a separate dwelling house on the site of the existing garage which was attached to the house. It was confirmed that it would but that conversion to incorporate it into the existing dwelling house would not.

Debate and Decision Making Process

(6)          Members had no further questions and indicated that they wished to move directly to the vote. A vote was taken and the 11 Members who were present when the vote was taken voted unanimously that planning permission be granted.

89.5       RESOLVED – That the Committee has taken into consideration and agrees with the reasons for the recommendation set out I the report and resolves to GRANT planning permission subject to the Conditions and also Informatives set out in the report.