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 and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from Councillor John Clark.

Councillor J Clark thanked members for the opportunity to speak and stated that whilst he knows the applicant he has no pecuniary or non-pecuniary interest in the property. He explained that he had grown up in this area and is familiar with both the site and applicant. As a former member of St. Wendreda’s church choir, he is keen to ensure development does not cause detrimental harm to however in his opinion; the proposal will only enhance the area.

He highlighted that the replacement dwelling will be a similar size to the previous site as there was previously a large wooden shed which was in poor condition. He reminded members of the 29 letters of support the application had received, including a letter of support from the minister of St. Wendreda’s and a Planning Officer who lives in the locality.

Councillor J Clark disagreed that the development will have a visual impact on the church and argued that the nearby eco-house built by Tommy Walsh has far greater a visual impact than this proposal. He reiterated that the application will be an improvement to the locality and asked members to support the application.

Members had no questions for Councillor J Clark.

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

Matthew Hall thanked members for the opportunity to speak and explained that the applicant had resided in the property for 62 years before it was destroyed by fire in April 2019. He highlighted that the application proposes that the property be set further back into the site and on all boundaries to prevent obstruction of views to the church.

Matthew Hall highlighted to members the differing property styles located in Church Street. He explained that the proposal had been developed over a number of months and confirmed that the applicant would be happy to agree to conditions in relation to external materials. He reiterated that the property will cause no overlooking or overshadowing to neighbouring dwellings and has received a lot of support from both local residents and the minister of St. Wendreda. He asked members to approve planning permission.

Members had no questions for Matthew Hall.

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

1.    Councillor Sutton said whilst he has taken into consideration the officer’s recommendation, most of the comments received from local residents and the minister have been in support of the application. He agreed that there is a vast array of property types in the locality and the proposal will not have a detrimental visual impact on the church.

2.    Councillor Murphy agreed and stated that he cannot understand why planning permission should not be granted due to the mixture of existing property types in the road.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Murphy and decided that the application be APPROVED; against officer’s recommendation.

Members approved the application against officer’s recommendation for the following reasons; the development will enhance the area and benefit the local community. 

Members agreed to delegate authority to officers to formulate conditions.