Agenda item

The planning application was for a two storey front extension at Newe House, Main Street, Ufford, a single storey rear extension, the conversion of the garage and loft to create a habitable space, including raising the roof height and additional dormers. The application was a resubmission.

It was officer’s recommendation that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report. The Development Management Manager provided an overview of the application and highlighted a number of key issues within the report.

Councillor Lievesley, Ufford Parish Council, addressed the Committee and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         It was considered that the current application was a great improvement on the initial application and would be acceptable within the location; and

·         The Parish Council were unable to come to a conclusion regarding the impact of the development on Weathervane Cottage. As such, the Parish Council had referred the application to the Committee.

Sean Gray, applicant, addressed the Committee in support of the application and responded to questions from Members. In summary the key points highlighted included:

·         The proposal would increase the ridge height of the dwelling by 70 centimetres. A lot of effort had been put into bringing the ridge height of the proposal down;

·         Numerous consultation had been undertaken, which incorporated materials that would fit in with the character of the village;

·         The only objection raised had been from Weathervane Cottage in relation to light;

·         It was not believed that there would be any material impact on light levels resulting from the development;

·         The proposal was not for a commercial venture, but for personal use; and

·         Mr Gray wished for the development to positively contribute to the existing street scene, as such, reclaimed limestone would be used, with other locally sourced materials.

The Committee discussed the application and were impressed that the applicant had worked with officers and the Parish Council to address the concerns raised by the previous proposal.

A motion was proposed and seconded to agree that permission be granted, as per officer recommendation, subject to the conditions set out in the report. The motion was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED: (unanimous) that planning permission is GRANTED subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Reasons for the decision

Subject to the imposition of the attached conditions, the proposal was acceptable having been assessed in the light of all material considerations, including weighing against relevant policies of the development plan and specifically:

-       From a heritage consideration the proposal was acceptable.  The extensions and their detailing would preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the Ufford Conservation Area and would not harm the setting of nearby listed buildings in accordance with Section 66 and 72(1), of the Town and Country Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (as amended) and policies CS16 and CS17 of the Peterborough Core Strategy DPD (2011), policies PP2 and PP17 of the  Peterborough Planning Policies DPD (2012) and the National Planning Policy Framework (Heritage considerations).

-       The extensions to the dwelling would not adversely impact upon the amenities of the occupiers of the two adjacent residential properties known as Willow Tree Cottage and Weathervane Cottage in accordance with policy CS16 of the Peterborough Core Strategy and policy PP3 of the Peterborough Planning Policies DPD.