Agenda item

The Development Manager submitted a report on behalf of the Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Planning and elaborated thereon. It was advised that planning permission was sought for a two storey extension on a Grade II* listed site. The existing property was a single storey flat roofed garage which was to be converted to a two storey artist’s workshop.

The extension would increase the building’s height to 5.4 m with the windows set within the eaves level. There had been some concern raised by local residents, particularly from Pound Lane as the proposal would make the building visible by 1.1m above the ridge height of the outbuildings.

It was advised that advice from the Conservation officer was that the building was enclosed within its plot and would not affect the conservation area. The windows that were overlooking a neighbouring property would be  obscure glazed and, overall, the building represented a moderate extension that was acceptable within the property.

Councillor John Marlowe from Billing Parish Council addressed the Panel against the proposal. He advised members that he was not opposed to change but had a responsibility to represent the views of the community. The recent site visit had justified residents’ concerns that the proposal would be a dominant structure that was an erosion of the conservation area and would create a loss of privacy and interrupt a 300 year old roof line. The neighbours had wanted to protect a hidden gem and felt that the applicant ought to be able to design a studio that was more in keeping with the setting.

Mrs Carrie Goodridge addressed the Committee to speak against the proposal. She advised members that she had bought her house 13 years ago largely due to the cottage setting and the communal garden. She felt that the proposal would affect the gardens and the 300 year old roofline as well as overlook a private garden. She was happy for the applicant to create a single storey extension or one that was below the roofline.

Ms Fiona Diamond addressed the Committee and spoke against the proposal. She owned and lived at 8 Pound Lane and felt that the two storey extension was at odds with the report submitted with the application on the impact on the historical aspect of the area. Without the perimeter buildings it would be an isolated building. She invited the applicant to resubmit a proposal with a single storey extension instead.

Mr Peter Sayer, the architect and joint applicant, addressed the Committee and spoke in favour of the application. He advised members that the existing building was an ugly brick box in the garden and its flat roof severely limited its life. He had been involved with conservation and planning officers from the outset of the process and the proposal had been endorsed by senior planning officers who had stated that it would not have an impact on the setting or harm its character. He required layout space for paintings and storage of art materials. The proposal would not extend the footprint of the building. In response to questions from members Mr Sayer explained that the amount of glass had been severely reduced from the original plans and he had taken care to ensure that the colours and materials used would be sympathetic to its surroundings and included the use of reclaimed materials.

Mr Scott Walker addressed the Committee and spoke in favour of the application. He had lived in the village for 7 years and felt that the existing studio was inadequate. He was aware of the objections and did not share the views of others as the building would hardly be visible. He advised members that the village had a history of building evolution of which this would be part. He felt that the Committee should consider the views of the professionals.

In response to questions from the Committee the Development Manager advised members that there were varying rooflines throughout the village. Officers felt that the proposal was acceptable and only roof tiles would be visible above the roof line.

The Committee discussed the report.

RESOLVED: That the listed consent application be APPROVED subject to the conditions set out in the report and for the following reason:

The proposed works would not harm the character and significance of the Grade II* listed building and as a consequence the proposal is compliant with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies S10 and BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and Policies E20, E26 and H18 of the Northampton Local Plan.

That the planning application be APPROVED subject to the conditions set out in the report and for the following reason:

Having regard to the existing pattern of development in the area, it is considered that subject to compliance with the conditions attached to this permission, the proposed development would not have an undue detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the host dwelling, Great Billing Conservation Area and the amenity of adjoining occupiers in accordance with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies S10 and BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and Policies E20, E26 and H18 of the Northampton Local Plan.