Agenda item

The following application will be considered at 11am:

1.  24/01135/FUL - Kennet Lodge, Kennet Park, Bathampton, Bath

The Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the reconfiguration and alteration of an existing dwelling, including a single storey extension to the north of the property, and an additional storey of first floor bedroom accommodation to replace existing pitched roof of a chalet bungalow.  The application had been deferred from the previous meeting pending a visit to the site.

The Case Officer confirmed the officers’ recommendation that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The following public representations were received:

1.  Graeme Robinson, on behalf of local residents, objecting to the application.

2.  Sasha Berezina, agent, supporting the application.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  There was no specific definition of over-development, but a judgement was made on the amount of space, proximity to neighbours and amenity space.  It was the officer’s view that this application did not constitute over-development. 

2.  The increase in ridge height was 0.7m and officers considered this to be acceptable.

3.  The volume increase had not been calculated as the application was not in the green belt.

4.  There would not be any windows on the single storey extension facing the neighbouring property, Willow House to the north of the site.  There would be new dormer windows as part of the development, but it was not considered that these would result in overlooking due to the distances from other properties. 

5.  The application was considered to be a sensitive design and not out of keeping with the surrounding area.

6.  Officers did not consider screening was necessary, but the Committee could take a different view and agree to include an additional condition.

7.  There was no Neighbourhood Plan for this area.

Cllr Toby Simon opened the debate, he confirmed that the site visit had been helpful and concluded that the development would sit well in the plot.  He moved the officers’ recommendation to permit the application.  This was seconded by Cllr Duncan Hounsell. 

Following comments raised by other members, Cllr Toby Simon agreed to amend his motion to delegate officers to permit the application, subject to giving consideration to including a condition requiring the screening of the development.  Cllr Duncan Hounsell confirmed that he would support this change as seconder of the motion. 

Cllr Paul Crossley spoke against the motion due to the loss of green space and impact on wildlife and expressed the view that the application was an over development of the site. 

Cllr Shaun Hughes concurred with these views and agreed with the concerns raised by the Parish Council.

Cllr Colin Blackburn also expressed concerns about the impact on residential amenity and increase in ridge height. 

On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (7 in favour and 3 against).

RESOLVED that officers be delegated to permit the development subject to the conditions set out in the report and consideration of whether it would be appropriate to include an additional condition relating to screening of the site to protect residential amenity.