Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

Mr Anderson addressed the Committee in objection to the application.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/11/0333/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

Councillor G McAndrew, as the local ward Member, expressed concerns that this application would transform what was a modest bungalow into a substantial 4 bedroom house.  He stressed that the proposal would be overbearing and was detrimental to the character and appearance of the locality.

Councillor McAndrew stated that the proposed dormer windows would be very close to 11 and 12 Dane Acres, meaning that these dormer windows would look straight into the upstairs windows of these two houses.  He stressed that the reduction in the roof height of 0.5 metres should be clarified as the proposed reduction was a modest one.

Councillor McAndrew emphasised that the application was out of keeping with the environment of this site and was contrary to policy ENV6e of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.  He also stated that the application was contrary to policy ENV5 and would be detrimental the quality of life of the occupants of 11 and 12 Dane Acres.  He urged the Committee to refuse the application.

Councillor G Jones referred to the proposed dwelling as being 2 metres higher than existing houses.  He expressed concerns that the application would adversely affect the privacy of neighbouring dwellings in all directions.

The Director stated that Members needed to consider and weigh up the issues on this application and whether the impact went beyond what was acceptable in this location.  The Director referred to the reduction in the roof height of 0.5 metres from the previously refused application as being an issue for Members to consider.

The Committee was advised that Officers felt that the changes in design of the proposed dwelling and the reduction in the roof height made this proposal one that Officers felt they could support in terms of an acceptable impact on the locality.  The Director stated that the distance between the properties was similar to many other locations across the District.

Councillor Mrs R Cheswright proposed and Councillor J Taylor seconded a motion that application 3/11/0333/FP be refused on the grounds that the application would result in unacceptable overlooking and loss of amenity to neighbouring properties and the proposed development by reason of its size, scale and massing would result in a dwelling of excessive proportions uncharacteristic to the surrounding built form and detrimental to the character and appearance of the locality and was thereby contrary to policies ENV1, ENV5 and ENV6 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.

The Committee rejected the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services that application 3/11/0333/FP be granted subject to the conditions now detailed.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/11/0333/FP, planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

1.            The proposed development by reason of its size, scale and massing would result in a dwelling of excessive proportions uncharacteristic to the surrounding built form and detrimental to the character and appearance of the locality.  The proposal is thereby contrary to policies ENV1, ENV5 and ENV6 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

2.            Loss of privacy (B023).