Issue - meetings

To consider application UTT/20/2486/FUL.

The Planning Officer said that the application had been deferred from the January Planning Committee for Members to visit the site.

The proposal included the erection of 2 semi-detached 3 bedroom dwellings with minor alterations to the existing access; associated landscaping and parking/turning area. 

There were two option presented relating to car parking for residents.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions.

Members made the following points:-

·         The line of sight to open countryside would be effected

·         Elmdon Parish Council had come up with a design statement which should be taken into account.

·         Scenario 2 would be the preferred parking option.

·         Place Services had not visited the site and this application was in a conservation area.

The Development Manager confirmed that the Parish Council had been notified of the meeting but individual residents were not.

Councillor Loughlin said she did not think this application was in line with policy Env1 as it did not enhance the conservation area.

Councillor Caton said there could be beneficial change from development and a conservation area was not a preservation area.  He said adding to the village on a small scale was needed and could be a good thing.

The Chair said that the building to the right of the site did not look like an old building and agreed that villages have to evolve.  She asked if there were many semi-detached buildings in Elmdon.  The Planning Officer said there were semi-detached properties on the left hand side of the site which were also listed. 

Councillor Sutton thought the site was too small for two properties and did not think it would be beneficial.

The Planning Officer said he did take into account the Parish Council’s comments.  He said the application complied with their design statement and did not compromise the line of sight to open countryside.

He said the hedge at the front of the property would be kept as a condition and the visual link to the countryside would be preserved with scenario 2.

Councillor Lemon proposed to approve the application with car parking scenario 2.

Councillor Caton seconded the motion.

RESOLVED to approve the application with conditions, the Chair had the casting vote. 

M Ainsworth and I Donaldson (Elmdon Parish Council Chairman) spoke against the application.

Councillor Freeman left the meeting at 3.19pm