Issue - meetings

To consider the erection of three storey side extension, two storey extensions above existing single storey rear extensions, three storey rear extension and addition of third floor to existing dwellings to facilitate creation of 3no. one-bed and 6no. two bed apartments with associated car parking and landscaping and regularisation of the change of use of the existing four dwellings as Houses of Multiple Occupation (Use Class C4).

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00490/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

At this juncture the Chair withdrew from the meeting and invited the Vice-Chair, Cllr Nazmin Chowdhury, to chair Item 4.

The Vice-Chair invited the Senior Planning Officer to introduce the application to the Committee.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the site currently consisted of four individual premises operating as Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), located south of The Leys Primary School.

The Committee heard that the application proposed:

·       Three-storey extension on the current car park site.

·       Relocation of car parking to the south of the site.

·       Small rear extension to accommodate a staircase.

·       Additional floor added to the existing buildings, including a green roof to reduce the visual impact and maintain separation from neighbouring properties.

The Committee were shown a visual presentation which included:

·       Current Site Layout: Included car parking to the side, gardens, and surrounding land.

·       Proposed Layout: Highlighted the extended building footprint, new car park location, and additional floor design.

·       Elevations: Images comparing the current and proposed north and south elevations were shown, highlighting the stair core and set-back design to mitigate impact on nearby properties.

·       Aerial View and CGIs: A superimposed image and computer-generated illustrations of the proposed development were provided to offer a clearer perspective.

·       Photographs: Current photographs of the site were displayed for context.

The Chair invited Cllr Sandra Barr to address the Committee.

Cllr Barr, a Ward Councillor for St Nicholas, spoke on behalf of local residents, in opposition to the application. The Committee heard that one resident’s property was 2.7 metres from the border of the current building with their front door 5.45 metres away.

Cllr Barr advised the Committee that the proposed three-storey development would set a precedent in St Nicholas, which currently had no three-storey buildings. They added that the existing two-storey structures already block light to Ms. Barker’s property. Cllr Barr suggested that the addition of a third storey would severely diminish natural light further, violating the Right to Light under prescription laws for residents of 20+ years.

In addition to the light issues, Cllr Barr informed the Committee that the current buildings’ windows already overlooked the resident’s kitchen-diner and that an additional storey would compromise her upstairs privacy.

Cllr Barr highlighted that the developers had previously shown a lack of care in maintaining the site and that ,although a temporary clean-up was observed before the planning application, residents believed it will revert to neglect.

The Committee heard concerns regarding the relocation of the car park as Cllr Barr highlighted that the proposed new car park location would be directly under children’s bedroom windows in the flats behind the development, raising concerns about vehicle fumes impacting on residents, particularly children.

Cllr Barr spoke of the transient nature of HMO occupants and a subsequent lack of contribution to the local community arising by the presence of such dwellings. They concluded by acknowledging the need for new housing but suggesting a preference for two-storey developments rather than three-storey.

The Vice-Chair thanked Cllr Barr for their contribution and invited the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4