Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the demolition of a bungalow and the erection of a new two storey dwelling. 

The Committee received representations in objection to the application from Professor Smiley, speaking on behalf of local residents. 

The representation covered the following issues:

     i.        The proposed development would have a negative impact on the Lake which would be dominant and of out of keeping with the rural setting.

    ii.        The floor space of the proposed design is similar to the two immediate neighbouring properties.

   iii.        Impacts on the amenity value of the lake.

  iv.        Does not fit the context of the area.

   v.        The proposal exploits the site and existing footprint.

  vi.        The bungalow was built by architect Peter Lord and should be protected

 vii.        Loss of privacy to surrounding properties

viii.        Loss of habitat.

  ix.        The proposed design is too big and represents over development and a more modest building should be proposed.

The Committee:

Resolved (5 votes to 2 ) to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer report, subject to the conditions recommended by the Officer and subject to an additional condition relating to habitat protection as follows:

‘The biodiversity mitigation measures set out within the submitted Applied Ecology Report of Nov 2013 shall be carried out prior to demolition and maintained during the development of the site. These shall include measures to minimise silt laden run‐off entering the lake through the use of straw bales pegged onto the ground surface in a continuous line at the northern end of the back garden. The bales should be monitored and maintained as necessary for the duration of the demolition and construction or a similar system detailed within a construction method statement shall be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The garden area to the south of the bales should be off‐limits to demolition and construction operations, including the storage of materials, in order to maintain a development free buffer zone between the construction area and the lake. Prior to the occupation of the dwelling, the biodiversity enhancement measures (bat boxes and brick swift nests) shall be incorporated into the east and west elevations of the proposed new dwelling and shall be retained as such.

Reason:  In order that adequate provision is made to maintain and enhance biodiversity in proximity to Bolton Pit Lake, a Local Nature Reserve, Cambridge Local Plan 2006 policy 4/6.’