Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for demolition of a single storey rear retail space and the change of use of existing HMO to 5 studio apartments including a 2nd floor rear extension and the creation of 2 studio dwellings within semi-detached two storey unit in rear garden.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of Covent Garden.

The representation covered the following concerns:

       i.          Density.

     ii.          Design.

   iii.          Amenity space.

   iv.          Overlooking neighbours.

    v.          Bin collection issues.

   vi.          Site access and safety, particularly by construction traffic.

 vii.          Right of way through side passage.

Mr Buckingham (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Committee:

Unanimously resolved to reject the officer recommendation to approve the application.

Unanimously resolved to refuse the application contrary to the officer recommendation for the following reason:

The conversion of the existing building and the new flats would together fail to provide a satisfactory level of residential amenity for future residents in terms of providing a cramped living environment subject to noise and smell from plant and refuse and which would exacerbate current problems with the storage of refuse receptacles on Covent Garden to the detriment of the residential amenity of the users of Covent Garden contrary to policies 3/10, 5/2 and 4/13 of the Cambridge Local Plan (2006).