Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for a first-floor roof extension and associated works, to create an additional 2no. bedrooms and an en-suite.

The Committee received representation in objection to the application from a resident of North Street:

      i.          Was speaking on behalf of several objectors.

     ii.          The application would have an adverse effect on the direct neighbours who lived next door to the properties.

   iii.          The planning officer’s presentation omitted 6 and 8 Canterbury Street which would also be affected by the proposed extension.

   iv.          23 North Street was one of three houses (including 21 and 25 North Street) designed together to form a terrace built in the garden of 59 Histon Road; the original design with subterranean bedrooms and gardens ensured no overlooking into neighbouring properties; the importance of no overlooking had been highlighted in the original planning application.

    v.          Building a third story would significantly affect 59 Histon Road; the extension would mean that privacy of the house and garden would be compromised.

   vi.          In addition, no’s 2, 4, 6 and 8 Canterbury Street [which backed on to North Street] would be overlooked with a large widow [bedroom picture window] at the front of the extension, so occupiers’ privacy would be reduced for these properties.

 vii.          A bedroom picture window was better suited to a property that overlooked landscapes not a tight residential urban area.

viii.          No. 11 North Street provided the model for the church gable end picture window; the objector of this application (20 Benson Street) noted they could see direct in the bedroom of 11 North Street and this would be the same for no’s 24& 26 Benson Street. 

   ix.          Reiterated a picture window was completely unsuitable for a house on North Street which can be viewed into by neighbours.

    x.          If the application were permitted this would change the look of the terrace and set a precedent which could result in further overlooking and loss of privacy for surrounding properties. 

   xi.          Future extensions could lead to a confusion of different designs.

 xii.          Stated that City Councillor Todd-Jones had indicated the goal posts of planning objections had shifted regarding new built properties on North Street; overlooking into neighbouring properties was irrelevant.

xiii.          However, it should be highlighted these new build properties did not have the same impact on neighbouring properties as these faced garages and hedges or end of terraced walls. Therefore, this point was relevant.

Mr Bailey (Applicant) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

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

City Councillor Payne (Castle Ward Councillor) addressed the Committee about the application:

      i.          The objection to the application was two-fold. 

     ii.          Firstly, in terms of aesthetics, this property sat in a group of three, an additional storey on only one building would look strange and be out of character with the area.

   iii.          North Street sat within a Conservation Area, and the conservation report had noted this would be out of character with the area. 

   iv.          The application would also lead to neighbouring properties being overlooked and would feel crowded on the narrow streets. 

    v.          Secondly, if this application were approved, it would then set a clear precedent for the neighbouring houses to do the same.  This would substantially change the character of the area and lead to other houses being overlooked. 

The Committee:

Resolved (unanimously) to reject the officer recommendation of refusal to the application.

Resolved (unanimously) to approve the application contrary to the officer recommendation for the following reasons:

      i.          Positive addition of a high-quality application to the street scene which enhances and improves the Conservation Area.

Resolved (unanimously) to delegate to planning officers to  include the standard conditions for the approval of the application in terms of standard time for commencement; development in accordance with approved plans; materials; the removal of permitted development rights under Class B of the TCP (GPD)O 2015; and the rear bedroom windows to be of obscure glazing in perpetuity.

Item adjourned until 10 September committee.