Agenda item

This application was for the erection of 1 no. outbuilding (Part-Retrospective) at 25 Pinewoods, Church Aston, Newport, Shropshire, TF10 9LN

This application was before Planning Committee at the request of Councillor A Eade.

An update report was tabled at the meeting which presented details with regard to additional information received and a series of points raised by neighbours.

Councillor A Eade, Ward Member, spoke against this application due to the retrospective material changes that had taken place compared to the original planning application.  It was not compliant with policy BE2 with regard to respecting the character and the adverse effect on the amenity of the neighbouring property.  He raised concerns regarding light pollution, the grey soffit, the large triple opening doors, overlooking into kitchen and bedroom with obscuring glass ineffective and excess height of the development.

Mr S Wilmott, member of the public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding the contravention of Local Plan policy BE1 and BE2 in relation to the centralised bi-fold doors, the detrimental impact of overlooking, the facia and soffit which was overbearing, appearance, air conditioning unit, the increased height, length and depth of the building which was built on blocks.  There was light pollution which impacted the neighbouring property and there was a change from office use to an extended lounge and bar.  It overlooked into the kitchen and bedrooms and could be seen from every aspect from the neighbouring garden and there was exaggerated light and noise pollution.  It was felt that this was an unauthorised building subject to a contravention notice and should be refused.

Mrs A Fletcher spoke in favour of the application and following full planning permission being granted in 2020 without objection or concern the site was cleared.  Due to a promotion it was felt that extras such a bi-fold doors could be achieved and there was a minor alteration to the window design.  At this point they were advised that a new planning application was required and the scale and size was further tweaked at this stage.  It was felt this was not dissimilar to the scale under permitted development rights and it was asked that Members grant full planning permission.

The Planning Officer confirmed there were no technical objections to the application.  It was clad with feather edged board and was one open plan room with the front alteration with fully opening patio doors and on balance did not detract from the property.  There was limited view from the street scene and in order to address concerns the application had agreed to mitigation measures such as obscure film to the bi-fold doors and the high level window and the removal of the downlight and fascia lights.  It was recommended that members grant permission subject to the conditions contained in the report and the update report.

During the debate some Members raised concerns regarding the retrospective application, the extension dominating the main building, its height and the noise from the air conditioning unit.  Further concerns were raised regarding the extension remaining as part of the house and not for separate use and that it not be rented out for sleeping accommodation.  Other Members felt that mitigation measure had now been put in place and once it was completed it would be acceptable.

The Planning Officer confirmed that each application was considered on its own merits and material consideration was given to the size, scale, nature and amenity on neighbouring properties.  This was covered within Policy BE1 of the Local Plan.  A noise assessment had been undertaken but this was not required as part of the planning permission.  It was considered that the use would be incidental to the existing house and business use would need a separate permission.  Home working was an acceptable but the renting out as a room would be conditioned.

Upon being put to the vote it was, by a majority:-

RESOLVED – that delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant full planning permission (with the authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager) subject to the conditions contained within the report and the update report.