Agenda item

(Copy Herewith)

The Senior Planning Officer submitted a report on behalf of the Head of Planning and elaborated thereon. Committee members were informed that the application was a hybrid including full application for the erection of three dormer bungalows and outline planning application for the erection of three dwellings. It was explained that the land fronting Mill Lane was partly within the Kingsthorpe Conservation Area. Vehicular access was proposed from Mill Lane, including an existing access for one of the dwellings, and a new access round a TPO tree for the other 5 dwellings. The current proposals indicated a reduction in the height of the proposed dwellings, thereby reducing the impact on the setting of the Conservation Area. A recent Bat Survey had indicated that there was a presence of bats in the summer house, however this had fallen into disrepair and was due to be demolished. Public consultations had been carried out with regards to the boundary of the Conservation Area.

Phill Rodgers addressed the Committee and stated that in his opinion six large dwellings did not address the Council’s five year housing strategy. Residents of the village had come together to lobby the developer, as in their opinion, this development was not a wise use of space. A number of residents would lose their right to privacy, due to the dwellings overlooking their properties. In addition the air quality rating in Kingsthorpe was dangerously low and bringing in more vehicles would damage the air quality further. He commented that there had also been a number of accidents on that stretch of road and more development would increase this.

Ian Taylor on behalf of the Kingsthorpe Amenity Preservation Group addressed the Committee and stated that this development was harming the environment. The demolition of the swimming pool and summer house went against the principles of the Conservation Area policies. Visibility onto Mill Lane from the development would be limited, increasing the risk of injury to pedestrians. In addition the residents had not been consulted on the development.

Barry Waine on behalf of the developer stated that this was not a large scale development. The dormer bungalows were more suited to the area and in keeping with houses nearby. No objections had been raised by the Highways Authority and conditions set out by the Local Planning Authority would be adhered to.

Members welcomed the report and comments made by members of the public. In response to questions from the Committee the Senior Planning Officer confirmed:

·         That the back of the properties were 40m from the boundary of neighbouring properties, this was in excess of standard practice.

·         In terms of the summer house the Local Planning Authority were persuaded that the building had fallen into disrepair and could not be saved.

·         Neighbours to the proposed development had been adequately consulted.

·         Northamptonshire County Council was satisfied with the access points as outlined on the plan.

Members made a number of comments, including concerns around the privacy of neighbours and the access points of the site. However, it was felt that the development was in keeping with the local area.

The Development Manager stated that a condition could be added, ensuring no dormer windows or extensions were to be added to any dwellings at the rear, should they expand.

RESOLVED:

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions as set out in the report and additional condition outlined below, along with further conditions as set out in the addendum.

19.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no extensions or other form of enlargement including dormers to Plots 4, 5 and 6 hereby permitted (as shown on the approved plans) shall take place.

Reason: In the interests of residential amenity in accordance with Policy S10 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and E20 of the Northampton Local Plan

and for the following reason:

The proposed development would contribute towards the Council's 5-year housing supply and would have a minimal impact upon the setting, character and appearance of the Kingsthorpe Conservation Area, listed buildings within the locality, neighbour amenity, flood issues, biodiversity and highway safety. The development is therefore in conformity with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies H1, BN2, BN3, BN5 & S10 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy and Saved Policy E20 and E26 of the Northampton Local Plan 1997.