Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

Mr Joseph Fitzgerald addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Jane Orsborn spoke for the application.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/11/1239/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

The Director referred Members to the additional representations schedule for a revised wording for condition 13.  Members were also advised that the Authority was required by policy PPS3 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 to identify suitable land for development, with a particular priority given to previously developed brownfield land.

The Director advised that the policies of the local plan tended to encourage development closer to the major towns and settlements.  Members were advised to pay particular attention to policy HSG7 when determining this application.

Councillor R Beeching addressed the Committee in opposition to the application on behalf of the ward Members for Sawbridgeworth.  He stressed that when on site, Members would have seen the reality of the likely impact of this application.

Councillor Beeching stated that the scheme was contrary to policy HSG7 and would have a significant detrimental impact on surrounding properties and green space.  He referred to the likely impact on nearby trees, some of which were under consideration for tree preservation orders.  He also stated that some of the trees were already the subject of protective covenants.

Councillor Beeching expressed concerns that the access road was not adopted.  He referred to the unacceptable impact of the application in relation to sewage drainage capacity and issues around the inadequacy of parking provision and manoeuvring issues for vehicles.  He also expressed concerns in relation to the loss of light for nearby residents’ gardens, particularly as the building line was set back from existing buildings.

Councillor E Buckmaster expressed concerns that the proposed development was unduly overbearing in relation to the surrounding street scene.  Councillors Beeching and Buckmaster urged the Committee to refuse the application.

Councillor M Newman stated that there was no need for the set back of the proposed development.  He expressed concerns that Nos 12 and 13 Stoneleigh would lose a view of trees and gardens and would instead see a blank side wall of the proposed development.

Councillor Mrs Cheswright expressed concerns over the proposed height of the roof pitch and was particularly concerned that this would facilitate further development in the roof leading to further unacceptable overlooking for neighbouring properties.

The Director stated that the application would result in some overshadowing and impact in terms of height and appearance.  Members were advised however, that Officers considered that the application was not unduly overbearing and the impact was not so severe as to warrant a recommendation for refusal.

Councillor J Demonti stated that the proposed development would be dominant, oppressive and overbearing in this location.  She stressed that she would be able to support a development that had adhered to the existing building lines.

Councillor J Demonti proposed and Councillor G Jones seconded, a motion that application 3/11/1239/FP be refused on the grounds that the application was detrimental to the street scene and general neighbour amenity, was poorly sited and unduly intrusive and intensive and was contrary to policies ENV1 and HSG7 of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, there being an equality of votes, this motion was declared LOST on the Chairman’s casting vote.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, there being an equality of votes, the Chairman exercised his casting vote and the Committee supported the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/11/1239/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.