Decision details

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the extension of the garage roof including installation of solar panels.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a resident of Grantchester Meadows.

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          Stated that he had raised an objection when the application had previously come to committee in August 2017, referred to the objections in section 7 of the Officer’s report.

     ii.          Highlighted that the applicant had not considered the advice previously given, to use solar panels which looked more like slates rather than the standard solar panels.

   iii.          Raised concern that the proposal design was not in keeping with the Conservation Area.

Councillor Cantrill (Newnham Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application.

       i.          Stated that he supported the use of solar panels but felt that the proposed product, the standard design solar panel was not in keeping with the Conservation Area and rural surround.

     ii.          Highlighted that the position of the building was fundamentally important to the objection, because it meant that the panels could be seen whilst walking the entire length of South Green Road. Additionally, due to the size of the proposed panelling it would dominate the street scene.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 5 votes to 2) to reject the officer recommendation to approve the application.

The Committee adjourned at 14:15 to consider the appropriate text necessary to express the reason for refusing the application

The committee reconvened at 14:20

Resolved (by 6 votes to 0) to refuse the application contrary to the officer recommendation for the following reasons:

Due to the extent and monotonous appearance of the proposed solar panels on the south-facing roof slope of the building, the development would have a harmful visual impact in the street and be detrimental to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area. The development would therefore be contrary to Policies 3/7, 3/14 and 4/11 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2006.