Agenda item

The Committee considered:

·  A report by the Head of Planning on various planning applications.

·  An update report by the Head of Planning attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

·  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the Committee’s delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the decisions list attached as Appendix 3 to these minutes.

Item No. 1

Application No. 18/04535/FUL

Site Location: 49-50 Meadow Park, Bathford, Bath, BA1 7PY – Installation of timber decking and paved areas at rear of house with new decking and paving, including isolated raising of perimeter fences (retrospective)

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to permit.  He reported that a further representation had been received relating to the ownership of the boundary fence.

The applicant spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Hounsell stated that the work carried out by the applicant facilitated the use of the garden and noted that efforts had been made to reduce overlooking.  He felt that the lighting was not too bright and noted that there were no drainage issues.  He then moved the officer recommendation to permit.

Cllr Jackson seconded the motion.

Cllr Hodge stated that the lighting was extensive and also asked whether a condition could be included to ensure that the fencing retained a natural wood finish.  This suggestion was supported by Cllr Rigby.

Cllr Jackson felt that it would be too prescriptive to include a condition relating to the fencing.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 7 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 1 abstention to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Item No. 2

Application No. 18/05561/FUL

Site Location: 31 High Bannerdown, Batheaston, Bath, BA1 7JZ – Alterations and extension to bungalow

The Case Officer reported on the application and his recommendation to permit.

Cllr Derek Greener spoke on behalf of Batheaston Parish Council against the application.

Two local residents spoke against the application.

The Agent spoke in favour of the application.

Cllr Sarah Warren, local ward member, spoke against the application.  She considered the development to be out of character with the design and layout of the estate.  She also felt that the application would adversely affect the amenity of neighbouring properties.

The Team Manager, Development Management, then responded to questions as follows:

·  There is no specific policy regarding the retention of bungalows per se.

·  As the local Neighbourhood Plan is currently only in draft form this should be given little weight.

·  No mature trees were considered to be under threat as a result of the development.

·  The policy to protect mixed use developments generally relates to new developments.  The issue to consider in this case was the effect of the development on the character and residential amenity of the area.

Cllr Davis understood the concerns of the local residents but felt, on balance, that the application was acceptable.  She moved the officer recommendation to permit. 

Cllr Jackson seconded the motion.  She noted that there was no Neighbourhood Plan in place at this stage.

Cllr Craig supported the motion but stated that there should be a policy on the conversion of bungalows to houses.

Cllr Hounsell stated that there would be some overlooking of gardens due to the property being at a higher level than neighbouring dwellings, however, it would not be possible to look into neighbouring properties.  He did not feel that the proposal would change the street scene.

The motion was put to the vote and it was RESOLVED by 6 votes in favour, 2 votes against and 2 abstentions to PERMIT the application subject to the conditions set out in the report.