Agenda item

Recommended for Refusal.

Mr Stephen Clayton addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of applications 3/12/0542/FP and 3/12/0543/LB, planning permission be refused for the reasons detailed in the report now submitted.

The Director advised that English Heritage had recently commented on the application, recommending that it should be refused.  Members were reminded that the building was Grade II* Listed and as English Heritage had objected to the proposal, any grant of consent would first require a referral to the Secretary of State.

Councillor D Andrews stated that he would be prepared to support the application at this stage, particularly as there was the added protection of the referral to the Secretary of State.  He commented that a refusal would perhaps be a little harsh and requested that Officers drill down on the specific concerns that lead to the recommendation for refusal.

Councillor M Newman, as the local ward Member, stated that the application should be considered on its merits and the issue of the Secretary of State referral should not influence the Committee’s decision.  He commented that the aesthetics of the proposed lantern roof and the overall proposed works was not out of character with the form of the property.

Councillor T Page commented that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) stipulated that Members should be mindful to consider the particular significance of heritage assets.  He stressed that the affected area of the listed building was of a lesser significance and the proposed orangery would provide a viable use in that extra sunlight would be provided into the main building.

Councillor S Bull stated that he did not agree with the previous comments of Members and he was of the view that the proposed development was out of keeping with the existing Grade II* Listed Building.

Councillor Mrs R Cheswright referred to the changes made by the applicant to the application following discussions with Officers.  She commented that the suggestion of a flat roof was clearly a step too far for the applicant and would not suit the style of the proposed development.

The Director referred to the nature of the planning process in that comments trickled in during the formal consultation process, sometimes very close to when a decision was taken.  Members were reminded that Grade II* Listed Buildings were limited in number and tended to be the more unusual buildings across the District.

The Director stated that the view of the Conservation Officer was that the building was simple in form and design and Officers felt that the proposed development was out of keeping in that the orangery was more grand in design.  The Committee was reminded that the referral to the Secretary of State was a procedural matter and should not be taken into account by Members when making their judgement on this application.

Councillor D Andrews proposed and Councillor M Newman seconded, a motion that applications 3/12/0542/FP and 3/12/0543 be granted planning permission and listed building consent on the grounds that that the aesthetics of the proposed lantern roof and the overall proposed works was not out of character with the form of the Grade II* Listed Building.

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

The Committee rejected the recommendations of the Director of Neighbourhood Services as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) in respect of application 3/12/0542/FP, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.    Three Year Time Limit (1T12)

2.    Approved Plans (2E10) insert (1, 2, 7559A, 75591, 75592, 75593)

Directives:

1.    Other Legislation (010L)

2.    Relationship with Listed Building Consent (26LB)

Summary of Reasons for Decision

The proposal has been considered with regard to the policies of the Development Plan (East of England Plan May 2008, Hertfordshire County Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan, Waste Local Plan and the “saved” policies of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 and in particular policies ENV1, ENV5, ENV6 and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework.  The balance of considerations having regard to those policies is that permission should be granted.

(B)   in respect of application 3/12/0543/LB, listed building consent be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.    Three Year Listed Building Time Limit (1T14)

2.    Listed Building (new windows) (8L03)

3.    Listed Building (new doors) (8L04)

4.    Listed Building (making good) (8L10)

Directives:

1.    Other Legislation (010L)

2.    Listed Building Advice (25LB)

Summary of Reasons for Decision

The proposal has been considered with regard to the policies of the Development Plan (East of England Plan May 2008, Hertfordshire County Structure Plan, Minerals Local Plan, Waste Local Plan and the “saved” policies of the East Herts Local Plan Second Review April 2007 and guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework.  The balance of considerations having regard to those policies is that consent should be granted.