Agenda item

To consider the retrofit of 7no. apartment blocks comprising the installation of external wall insulation in render and brick-effect render finish; re-roof with Solar PV array system; replacement of windows on stairwell facade, replacement windows and doors; upgrade of external ventilation and replacement balconies.

The Committee considered the report in respect of application 24/00060/FPM seeking permission 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, alterations to external ventilation and balcony upgrade.

It was RESOLVED that 24/00060/FPM be granted planning permission.

The Committee considered a report on planning application 24/00060/FPM seeking planning permission 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, alterations to external ventilation and balcony upgrades.

The Officer explained each building is three storeys, L-Shaped with a dual pitched tiled roof and contain 9no. flats each. The buildings were constructed with white painted render, red-multi bricks with blue panels and horizontal cladding highlights. Windows and doors are modern white uPVC framing. The balconies had green panels and the buildings had a post-war appearance typical of properties constructed in this neighbourhood. Each building has small areas of shrub planting to the front with large areas of public open space around. Car parking was communal along Penn Road and shared with other residential dwellings.

-        Photographs, Elevation drawings, CGIs were shown and there was no change to the footprint.

-        There was one public representative due to fire safety, but all materials comply with fire tests.

The Committees asked where the cost will fall. Officers explained the cost would be through Government Grant money and there would be no cost to the tenants.

It was RESOLVED that 24/00060/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report:

1.     The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 7059-CTS-00-000-L-A-4403 P02; 7059-CTS-20-000-D-A-4404 P02.

2.     The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004)

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.     Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy 9CIL) 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 regarding 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 teh 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 at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning on 01438 879990.

To make a building regulations application please apply through the website portal at https://www.hertfordshire.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the number above 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, 4^th 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[1]explanatory-booklet.