Agenda item

Application: 2021/0129/S73

Location: Willow Barn, Sweeming Lane, Little Fenton

Proposal: Section 73 to vary/remove condition 02 (approved plans) of planning permission reference number 2019/0578/FUL proposed conversion of ancillary building to dwelling granted on 5 March 2020

The Principal Planning Officer presented the application which had been brought before Planning Committee as a result of a call-in request from Councillor Richard Musgrave, and the proposals being contrary to Policy H12 of the Local Plan. It was noted that the application was previously considered by Planning Committee on the 12 May 2021 and was deferred for a site visit by Members.

The Officer Update Note stated that since the publication of the officer’s report a further email in support of the application from a neighbour had been received. Additionally, the Committee was informed that since the report was written, further emails of objection had been received from a neighbour and these had been summarised in the Update Note.

The Officer Update Note also outlined that there was the need for a comprehensive boundary treatment plan to be submitted and agreed prior to the occupation of the dwelling. The exact wording of the condition was outlined in the Update Note.

Members noted that further information had been received from the applicants in support of the scheme by way of drawing 2781-02-04A, which set out the works done on site and those aspects that would be removed, and an updated Construction Progress Statement (dated 28 May 2021) alongside a letter dated 1 June 2021. Upon receipt of this information a re-consultation was undertaken with third parties who supported or objected to the application previously and with the Parish Council. The report was updated accordingly and included aspects addressed in the Officer Update Note from the meeting on 12May 2021.

Members noted that the application was for a Section 73 to vary/remove condition 02 (approved plans) of planning permission reference number 2019/0578/FUL, the proposed conversion of ancillary building to dwelling granted on 5 March 2020.

The Committee asked questions of the Officer regarding the unauthorised work undertaken on the site. The Principal Planning Officer stated that a section 73 application had been submitted to address this issue. In response to a further question, it was noted that there was a separate application for further works which would be dealt with separately to this application.

Mrs Georgina Ashton, objector, attended the meeting in person and spoke against the application.

Councillor R Musgrave, Ward Member, was invited remotely into the meeting and spoke against the application.

Mrs Lesley Watson, applicant, was invited remotely into the meeting and spoke in favour of the application.

Members debated the application and raised concern at the development taken place on the site without permission. Additionally it was noted windows and doors had been added which were not on the original drawing however it was felt these would not have a significant adverse effect on neighbouring properties.

In accordance with the officer’s report, it was proposed and seconded that the application be APPROVED. A vote was taken on the proposal and was carried.

RESOLVED:

To APPROVE the application subject to the conditions and informatives set out at paragraph 7 of the report and the Officer Update Note.