Agenda item

To determine the application.

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection: Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04)) during its deliberations.

Sheila Black presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Gareth Edwards (Agent).

Gareth Edwards explained that he is speaking today on behalf of a colleague who is unable to attend today’s meeting. The application is for an additional 2 dwellings to be built on a large residential plot which currently has 1 dwelling situated on it. He explained that the site is located in a residential surrounding within Flood Zone 1. The proposal is compliant with both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Local Plan. He stated that there have been no objections from the statutory consultees and the application has the support of both Wisbech Town Council and the Council’s planning officers.

Gareth Edwards confirmed that work has been undertaken with planning officers to achieve this proposal and explained that due to the level of objections received, the application is before members today. The letters of objections received had raised concerns about the property being used as a House of Multiple Occupancy (HMO), lack of parking and lack of amenity space. He offered assurance that the properties will be separate residential dwellings and will not be used as HMOs. In relation to the lack of parking and amenity space, the dwellings will each benefit from off road parking and the amenity space allocated is compliant with policy. He added that currently the garage to the rear of the existing dwelling is not compliant with current parking standards and there is no further parking so the development will improve this situation.

Gareth Edwards highlighted that the development is located within a sustainable, residential area and asked members to support this application.

Members had no questions for Gareth Edwards.

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows;

1.    Councillor Lynn stated that he was against the proposal as he feels the site is too small to accommodate three dwellings. He highlighted that Bowthorpe Road suffers from lack of parking and feels this development will only add to this issue.

2.    Councillor Hay agreed and stated that she felt the proposal was overdevelopment of the site. Whilst she supports the application for the dwelling to the rear of the existing property, she cannot support the proposal for the dwelling adjacent to the existing property due to the lack of space.

3.    Councillor Sutton disagreed and argued that the proposal will in fact improve the parking issues on Bowthorpe Road as an additional 6 parking spaces will be provided. He reiterated that the proposal is compliant with policy and can see no reason to go against officer’s recommendation.

4.    Councillor Hay disagreed that the parking issue will be improved as a result of the development and added that an additional 2 dwellings will bring even more vehicles to an already crowded road.

5.    Councillor Benney said whilst he initially believed the proposal was overdevelopment of the site, it is policy compliant and therefore he has no choice but to support the application.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Meekins and decided that the application be GRANTED; as per officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Meekins and Councillor Lynn declared an interest by virtue of the fact that they are members of Wisbech Town Council but take no part in planning matters)