Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought (retrospective) approval for rendering external wall and painting in soft stone colour.

The Committee received representations in objection to the application from the following:

·        Chris Freeman

·        Allen Brigham

Chris Freeman’s representation covered the following issues:

     i.        The street scape had been destroyed.

    ii.        In a conservation area, appearances matter.

   iii.        Other shops had maintained the Victorian facade.

  iv.        Is not acceptable, even if other properties have taken this approach prior to area gaining conservation status.

   v.        Character of the area should be conserved.

Allen Brigham’s representation covered the following issues:

  vi.        Approving this would be endorsing a race to the bottom.

 vii.        Conservation area should be improved.

viii.        Conservation status should be inspiring.

  ix.        Need to be very clear that this is not related to external insulation.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 7 votes to 1) to refuse the application contrary to the officer recommendations for the following reasons:

The rendered finish, because of its prominence and its extent, would cause significant harm to the character of the conservation area, in which the original brick predominates, contrary to policies 3/4 and 4/11 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006.