Issue - meetings

Change of public amenity land to residential and single-storey rear and side extension.

It was RESOLVED: That the application 23/00147/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report.

The Committee considered a report in respect of application 23/00147/FP seeking the change of public amenity land to residential and single-store rear and side extension.

The Planning Officer introduced the item and informed Members this application had been called in by Chells Ward Councillor, Councillor Booth. The application detailed an end terraced dwelling on a long rectangular shaped plot on the corner of a T junction. There was an SBC owned area of grass next to the property which approximately half was included in the change of use of amenity land to residential land. This would be enclosed with wooden fencing, similar to that already enclosing the property, to increase the garden size and to accommodate the extension. The extension still maintained pedestrian access.

The Chair invited Councillor Stephen Booth to address the Committee.

Cllr Booth explained the amenity land in the area contained little grass area. The resident of the property had already created a driveway on the front garden. He stated there had been no consultation with Ward Members and that planning should protect and enhance the environment with the wider community in mind.

The Chair thanked Cllr Booth for his contribution to the meeting.

The Planning Officer informed Members the main consideration was the acceptability of the change of use from amenity land to residential garden. The land was protected by policy NH6 of the Local Plan which stated development of unallocated open space was permitted when the loss was justified, and alternative spaces were available for community use. Planning Officers accepted the grass space could be used as an informal play space for children however it was a small area and was close to the road and therefore not the safest area for children to play. There were larger areas that were found and there were other smaller spaces similar in the residential area so there was deemed to be a sufficient amount of grass space.

The Planning Officer described the wooden fencing that would be used which was similar to the existing fence and other areas and would not have a detrimental effect on the street scene. The extension, which replaced an existing conservatory, was proportionate to the house, respected the character and appearance of the area and would use materials which matched the dwelling. There would be no impact on the daylight into the property, no additional bedrooms or parking spaces needed, and there would be no impact on the visibility of the junction.

A Member asked a question regarding a photo of the site showing a car parked on the amenity land, another questioned the dropped kerb. The Planning Officer advised that the owner of the car was unknown to Officers and this would be removed as the owner had no legal right to park there as it was Council owned land. The dropped kerb was used previously as an access into the back garden but was no longer in use.

A few Members asked questions regarding land sales. In response the Development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8