Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for full planning permission.

The application sought approval for the change of use from one dwelling to three flats, single storey rear extension and internal alterations.

The Committee Manager read a written statement on behalf of an objector:

The representation covered the following issues:

      i.         Objected to the planning application amendment and referred to Policy 52 of the Cambridge Local Plan (2018).

Policy 52: Protecting garden land and the subdivision of existing dwelling plots

a.    Proposals for development on sites that form part of a garden or group of gardens or that subdivide an existing residential plot will only be permitted where:

b.    the form, height and layout of the proposed development is appropriate to the surrounding pattern of development and the character of the area;

c.    sufficient garden space and space around existing dwellings is retained, especially where these spaces and any trees are worthy of retention due to their contribution to the character of the area and their importance for biodiversity;

d.    the amenity and privacy of neighbouring, existing and new properties is protected;

e.    provision is made for adequate amenity space, vehicular access arrangements and parking spaces for the proposed and existing properties; and

f.     there is no detrimental effect on the potential comprehensive development of the wider area.

    ii.         The proposal by virtue of its footprint and density represented a cramped form of development which reduced the suburban quality of the area which is reinforced by spaciousness about and between the dwellings.

   iii.         Blackhall Road is characterised bungalows on moderately sized plots. The proposal would take up a large proportion of the site area and the density did not reflect that of the area.

  iv.         The frontage would be visually dominated by parking and did not represent a form of development where parking was well integrated within the site and would result in significant visual impact upon the immediate area.

    v.         The proposed units offered a poor standard of accommodation. Some of the units were below the adopted National Space Standards (Policy 50). The outlook was generally poor and bedrooms to Flats 1 & 2 were likely to suffer noise and disturbance from other occupants.

  vi.         The proposal would impact on the tree lined boundaries that contributed to the character of the area and their importance for biodiversity. There was also no provision for uplift of biodiversity.

 vii.         The windows to Flat 3 bathroom and bedroom would look directly into the rear garden of 11 Brierley Walk. The old boundary fence did not provide suitable screening.

Philip Kratz (Applicant’s Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Committee:

Unanimously resolved to grant the application for planning permission in accordance with the Officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the Officer’s report, subject to:

      i.         the planning conditions set out in the Officer’s report;

    ii.         with delegated authority to officers to draft and include the following additional conditions:

a.    the removal of permitted development rights in use classes A, B and E of the GPDO;

b.    Explore the practicality of providing two EV charging points on site; and to amend the EV charging condition accordingly if applicable

   iii.         informatives included on the planning permission in respect of:

a.    Solar panels / solar thermals.

b.    Air source heat pumps

c.    Encouraging a more sustainable heating source than a gas boiler.