Agenda item

To consider application UTT/20/2486/FUL.

The Planning Officer said that the proposal included:

·         Erection of two. semi-detached 3-bedroom dwellings;

·         Minor alterations to the existing access;

·         Associated landscaping and parking/turning area;

·         Retain access road to the farmland to the back (west) of the site;

·         Materials: Rendered walls on a red brick plinth, plain tiled roof, stained timber windows and doors, black UPVC gutters and downpipes.

The application site comprised part of the curtilage of a two-storey detached

dwelling called ‘Laburnham View’ (host dwelling), located outside development

limits in the southern part of the village of Elmdon in the eastern side of High

Street. The site was within the Elmdon Conservation Area, close to designated

heritage assets, such as ‘The Bangles’ to the north (Grade II listed building) and a Grade II listed telephone box. There was a gated access on the front site boundary, with a track road leading to agricultural land and buildings to the rear of the site. Immediately to the rear there was also a paddock currently in use. The area contains linear development with dwellings on both sides and rural land to their rear, following a pattern of housing pockets scattered along the lane. In addition, the overall area contains no distinct residential type with varying architectural styles and scales, with the high-quality architecture and materials, reflective of the local vernacular, being the common feature. Existing boundary treatments included mature green screening on the rear, front and northern site boundaries along with a post and rail fence on the southern boundary, distinguishing the site from the host dwelling. Opposite the road to the west there was a sharply elevated verge with mature hedging on top, and on the neighbouring site to the north there was a large outbuilding (parallel to the road), both obscuring countryside views. There were bus stops immediately outside the site. The ground was sloping up slightly eastwards. The site currently had lawn and was open without any structures.

The scheme was recommended for approval with conditions.

Members raised concerns about the impact which the proposal would have on the Elmdon Conservation Area and the sustainability of the location. Officers clarified that the site did not currently contribute to the conservation area, however the proposal would enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area in future. It was confirmed that the Conservation Officer had not visited the site in question. Furthermore, the site was considered sustainable, as it is part of a settlement and there is pre-existing public transport links immediately outside.

Further concerns were raised regarding the parking scheme, particularly the lack of emergency access to the land directly behind. Officers had recommended removing the parking from the front to the side, in line with Essex County Council’s parking design guides, however members could add a condition to relocate parking provisions back to the front of the property.

Councillor Fairhurst proposed that the item be deferred to consider the sustainability of the application and the impact which it will have on the Elmdon Conservation Area.

Councillor Pavitt seconded the motion.

RESOLVED to defer the application.

It was noted that members requested that the relevant consultees, including the Conservation Officer, conduct a site visit before it is brought back to committee.

Councillor N Gregory and M Ainsworth spoke against the application.

Meeting Closed at 12:30