Agenda item

To consider the installation of external wall insulation and associated external finish, installation of solar PV array system; replacement roof tiles; replacement of external windows and doors, alteration to external ventilation (Nos. 2- 24 And 26 - 48 Buckthorn Ave

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report.

The Committee considered an application for the installation of external wall insulation and associated external finish, installation of solar PV array system; replacement roof tiles; replacement of external windows and doors, alteration to external ventilation.

The application was before the Committee for determination as the applicant and was Stevenage Borough Council.

The Senior Planning Officer gave an introduction to the Committee.  She advised that the only issue in the assessment of the application was the impact of the character and appearance of the area.  There were no changes to the number of units within the building and no enlargements of the buildings or number and locations of fenestrations, no change to the parking provision nor any changes to existing impacts on neighbouring properties.

In response to a question, Officers advised that the residents of the properties would benefit from the installation of the solar panels through reduced utility bills.  The Assistant Director Planning and Regulation advised that he would make enquiries as to the financial impact the works would have on any leaseholders in the properties and inform Members accordingly.

It was RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:

          7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4103; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4104; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4101; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4102; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4503; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4504; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4505; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4506; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4507; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4403; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4404; 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4405;

 2      The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

 3      The external materials used in the development to which this permission relates shall be those detailed on the approved plans and in the accompanying planning submission documents unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority.

INFORMATIVE

 1         Public Information on Planning Applications

            Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available. Individuals and organisations offering their services may contact you. The Council does not endorse or approve any builders, surveyors, trades persons or other supplier, and advises householders to obtain quotes/references, and check the legitimacy of any contractor who contacts them before making payment.

 2         Community Infrastructure Levy

            Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule at Full Council on 27 January 2020 and started implementing CIL on 01 April 2020.

            This application may be liable for CIL payments and you are advised to contact the CIL Team for clarification with regard to this. If your development is CIL liable, even if you are granted an exemption from the levy, please be advised that it is a requirement under Regulation 67 of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) that CIL Form 6 (Commencement Notice) must be completed, returned and acknowledged by Stevenage Borough Council before building works start. Failure to do so will mean you risk losing the right to payment by instalments and a surcharge will be imposed. NB, please note that a Commencement Notice is not required for residential extensions if relief has been granted.

            Stevenage's adopted CIL Charging Schedule and further details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk.

 3         Building Regulations

            To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990.

            To make a building regulations application please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded.  Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990.

            Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, 4th Floor, Campus West, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6BX.

            Once a building regulations application has been deposited with relevant drawings and fee building work may commence.  You will be advised in their acknowledgement letter of the work stages we need to inspect but in most instances these are usually:

                    Excavation for foundations

                    Damp proof course

                    Concrete oversite

                    Insulation

                    Drains (when laid or tested)

                    Floor and Roof construction

                    Work relating to fire safety

                    Work affecting access and facilities for disabled people

                    Completion

            Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control on 01438 879990 before 10.00am to ensure a same day inspection (Mon - Fri).

 4         Party Wall etc. Act 1996

            Any work that affects a party wall, including foundations dug within 3.0m of a neighbouring building, may be controllable under the Act and may require approval from the adjoining owner(s).  Party Wall Act matters are always civil matters and it is neither Stevenage Borough Council's nor Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd's remit to control or enforce Party Wall act matters.  Please refer to the Government's explanatory booklet The Party Wall etc. Act 1996, a copy of which is available online at

            https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-party-wall-etc-act-1996-revised-explanatory-booklet