Decision details

To consider a draft Article 4 Direction and consultation process with regard to maintaining the appearance of the buildings, which have the effect of withdrawing permitted development rights.

Matter for Decision

Following a request from the Accordia Community Residents Association for measures to more closely control changes to the external appearance of dwellings at Accordia via an Article 4 Direction, a report was considered by Environment Scrutiny Committee on June 11 2013. It was resolved that officers draft an Article 4 Direction and accompanying consultation process for consideration at a future Environment Scrutiny Committee.

The Officer’s report presented a draft order and consultation requirements.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate

Change

       i.          Authorised the making of a non-immediate Article 4 Direction for the Accordia Estate as shown in Appendix 1 attached to this report.

     ii.          Noted the need at a later date to confirm or not confirm the Article 4 Direction in the form appended to this report, taking into account representations made during the representation period, and having consulted with the Chair and Opposition Spokesperson.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Principal Conservation and Design Officer.

In response to Members’ questions the Principal Conservation and Design Officer said the following:

       i.          Accordia residents had been informally consulted on Article 4 proposals, formal consultation would occur after Environment Scrutiny Committee made a decision on how to take proposals forward (or let it lapse).

     ii.          Accordia residents had responded positively to the Article 4 concept through officer engagement with resident organisations.

Councillors requested a change to the recommendations. Councillor Blencowe formally proposed to amend the following recommendation from the Officer’s report (amendments shown as bold text):

2.1     The Executive Councillor is recommended:

·       To note the need at a later date to confirm or not confirm the Article 4 Direction in the form appended to this report, taking into account representations made during the representation period, and having consulted with the Chair and Opposition Spokesperson.

The Committee unanimously approved these amended recommendations.

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations as amended.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.