Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for a single storey dwelling to the rear of 3 and 5 Spalding Way.

The Committee received a representation in objection to the application from a local resident.

The representation covered the following issues:

       i.          Currently enjoying a peaceful retirement and spending considerable time in the garden and garden room.

     ii.          Development would have a considerable impact on this space.

   iii.          Noise issues from cars using what is currently a footpath.

   iv.          Noise from residents of new property and the existing residents of number 3 and 5 who would have their outdoor space considerable reduced.

    v.          Dominance and overbearing nature of the planned building.

   vi.          Height of the extension an issue.

 vii.          Current sewage system struggles to cope with current waste volume and has overflowed in recent times. Additional property would add to the problem.

viii.          Concerns regarding flooding.

Richard Ball (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

Removal of Permitted Development Rights to prevent a future loft conversion was suggested.

Members of the Committee had a number of concerns regarding this application including, loss of amenity space for plots numbers 3 and 5, fire safety, scale of the proposal and overdevelopment.

The Committee:

Resolved (by 5 votes to 3 and 1 abstention) to reject the officer recommendation to approve the application.

The Chair canvassed the Committee for their reasons for refusal and on a show of hands the following were agreed:

1.    Amenity of existing residents of number 3 and 5.

2.     The height, form and layout of the proposal.

Resolved (by 5 votes to 2 with 1 abstention) to refuse the application contrary to the officer recommendation for the following reasons:

1.    Spalding Way is characterised by semi-detached dwellings fronting the highway with established large rear gardens. The proposed dwelling would be sited within the rear gardens of Nos. 3 and 5 Spalding Way. The form, height and layout of the proposal would be out of character with the linear pattern of development in the area. As such the proposal is contrary to policies 52, 55 and 57 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.

2.    The introduction of the proposed dwelling in the rear gardens of Nos. 3 and 5 Spalding Way would significantly reduce the garden sizes to these properties leaving them with an inadequate level of amenity space. Coupled with this, the introduction of the new dwelling would introduce activity through the movement of vehicles and people within a quiet garden environment that will further impact on the quality of these gardens through noise and general disturbance. This would result in an unacceptable level of amenity for the occupiers of Nos. 3 and 5 Spalding Way and as such the proposal is contrary to policies 52 and 56 of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018.