Agenda item

The Committee considered

• The report of the Group Manager – Development Management on 2 planning applications
• An Update report by the Group Manager on Item 1, a copy of the Report being appended as Appendix 1 to these Minutes
• Oral statements by members of the public on Items 1 and 2, a copy of the Speakers List being appended as Appendix 2 to these Minutes

RESOLVED that, in accordance with their delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the Decisions List attached as Appendix 3 to these Minutes

Item 1 No 10 Entry Hill, Bath – Erection of 1 two bed dwelling – The Case Officer reported on this application and his recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions. The Update Report corrected some aspects of the Report. He stated that the words “.. and retained thereafter” needed to be added to Condition 11 of the Recommendation and ‘in the interest of residential amenity’ should be added to the reason for Condition 4.

The public speakers made their statements against and in favour of the application which was followed by a statement by the Ward Councillor Mark Shelford against the proposal.

Councillor Caroline Roberts raised concerns about parking to which the Officer responded. Councillor Paul Crossley considered that location was the main issue for consideration. He considered that this was inappropriate development for this location and would cause harm to the amenities of adjoining residents. In addition, there would be problems with construction due to its location which would have a detrimental impact on neighbours. He therefore moved that the recommendation be overturned and permission refused which was seconded by Councillor Caroline Roberts.

Members debated the motion with opposing views being discussed. Councillor Les Kew considered that the site was suitable for development and any construction issues could be overcome.

The motion was put to the vote. Voting: 4 in favour and 6 against. Motion lost.

Councillor Les Kew therefore moved the Officer recommendation to grant permission with conditions which was seconded by Councillor Bryan Organ. The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 6 voting in favour and 4 against.

Item 2 Rosebank, Common Lane, Compton Dando – Erection of two storey extension following the removal of existing conservatory – The Case Officer reported on this application and her recommendation to refuse permission.

The applicants’ agent made a statement in favour of the proposal.

Members asked questions about the proposal to which the Officer responded. Councillor Paul Crossley considered that this development would affect the openness of the Green Belt and therefore moved the Officer recommendation which was seconded by Councillor Eleanor Jackson.

Members debated the motion and discussed the Green Belt policy of allowing an increase of up to 30% of the volume of existing buildings. The Team Manager stated that the Council’s SPD with regard to extensions to dwellings within the Green Belt  was in accordance with the NPPF, and this application applied for a 186% increase which was significantly greater than the guidance within the SPD. This represented inappropriate development which by definition was harmful to the Green Belt.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried, 7 voting in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention.