Agenda item

Site Plan

Two storey rear extension with part single storey including internal alternations

Members were reminded that the application had been adjourned at the last meeting for a site visit and this had taken place on 2^nd October.  In addition since the last meeting the applicant had provided a cross section drawing showing the levels of the site and this drawing was included in the officer presentation.  As regards Members previous request that officers contact the Applicant to explore the options for screening, it was confirmed by officers that the Applicant was not intending to replace the tree screen that had been cut down.  The Applicant had stated that fencing would be erected along the boundary at the end of the rear garden of the application site.

Officers outlined the proposal for a rear extension to number 28 Campden Close consisting of part two storey and part one storey.  Members were advised of the geography of the site and the sloping nature of the land whereby number 28 Campden Close was positioned at a higher level in relation to the properties situated behind it.  Officers confirmed that they had considered the impact on outlook, light and privacy, and regarded the proposed scheme as acceptable, and therefore the application was recommended for approval.

Ms Gaye Williams (on behalf of Mrs Joanne Langfield of 39 Campden Close) addressed the Committee under the Council’s public speaking rules.

In response to questions from members officers confirmed that the fence to be erected at the rear of the garden was expected to be a standard six foot panel fence.

During the course of the debate members expressed concerns regarding the difference in height levels at the site, the overbearing nature of the proposed extension, the lack of screening to properties at the rear and impact on privacy as regards number 39 Campden Close.

An alternative recommendation was moved and seconded that Planning permission be refused.

RESOLVED that

Having regard to the development plan and all other material considerations, planning permission be REFUSED for the following reason:-

1.    The proposal by virtue of its scale and siting results in an over bearing impact and erodes the privacy of the occupants to the south of the site, in particular 38 and 39 Campden Close. This fact is exacerbated by the topography of the site and is not mitigated for as part of the scheme. The development therefore fails to comply with Policy 1, 39 and 40 of the Borough of Redditch Local Plan No.4, the Good Design SPG and the objectives of the NPPF

 (Prior to the commencement of this agenda item Councillor Andrew Fry brought to the attention of the Chair that before the start of the meeting he had seen Councillor Salman Akbar conferring with other members of the Committee regarding the photographs that had been circulated for this item.  Councillor Akbar responded that he remained completely open minded regarding the application and was not pre-determined.  However, in the interests of openness and transparency, and to counter any possible appearance of predetermination the Chair invited Councillor Akbar to leave the Chamber for this agenda item.  Accordingly, Councillor Akbar withdrew from the meeting and played no part in the debate or vote).