Issue - meetings

To consider application number UTT/19/0004/FUL

The Planning Officer delivered the report; the site was located off Brick Kiln Lane, to the north-west of Rickling Green. It contained two detached bungalows and their grounds.  The application was for planning permission to demolish the existing bungalows and replace with two houses, each with a separate driveway, garage and rear garden.  The application was recommended for Approval with Conditions.

Councillor Gerard said that he was concerned about the landscaping and the scale of the development. He said that the development was on the edge of the village and as such was the first thing that anyone would see on the approach.

Councillor Storah took the Committee through parts of the adopted Local Plan (2005) and cited policy S7, H7, Gen 2 and the associated Replacement Dwellings Supplementary Planning Document and the National Planning Policy Framework.  He said that he was not in favour of enabling the replacement of small houses with large ones.

Councillor Storah concluded that he believed this application was contrary to policy and proposed that on those grounds it be refused.

Councillor Freeman concurred with Councillor Storah and added that bungalows were becoming rare and that they were in need.

Councillor Fairhurst said that he felt in this instance size was a factor and that it would not enhance the character of the approach to the village.

Councillor Storah proposed that the application be refused.

Councillor Fairhurst seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED to refuse the application for the following reasons:

1.    The proposed dwellings would, by virtue of their scale, fail to protect or enhance the character of their countryside setting, in conflict with Policy H7 and Policy GEN2 of the Uttlesford Local Plan (adopted 2005), the associated Replacement Dwellings Supplementary Planning Document and the National Planning Policy Framework.

Cllr Hargreaves and P Purkiss spoke on the application.

Councillor Storah Left the room.