Agenda item

Subdivision of dwelling to form two semi detached dwellings with two storey side and two storey/single storey rear extensions, new access drive and garage [Rural West York Ward] [Site Visit]

Members considered an application from Mr and Mrs A Gioiello for the subdivision of a dwelling to form two semi detached dwellings with two storey side and two storey/single storey rear extensions, new access drive and garage.

Representations were received from a neighbour (and member of the residents’ group) in objection to the application. He raised concerns about the impact of the proposals on the amenity of neighbouring properties and stated that, if approved, the proposal would set a precedent for other similar proposals.

Representations were also received from the applicant in support of the application. She advised Members that the plot was a considerable size with enough space for 2 semi detached houses and indicated that in the  neighbouring street, semi detached houses occupied similar sized plots. She stated that the streetscape has already been changed by previous developments and voiced the opinion that it was important to provide further residential properties in existing residential areas.

Members were of the opinion that the site was large enough to support 2 units but raised concerns about the potential loss of amenity space for neighbours and the loss of trees and asked that a condition be attached to retain the trees at the front of the site.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved subject to the conditions listed in the report and the additional condition listed below. ¹

                                    Additional Condition 9

                                    The two semi-mature trees within the Trenchard Road frontage of the site shall be retained and measures shall be taken during development to secure their protection comprising :-

(i)   Erection of a  chestnut pale or similar fence not less than 1.2 metres high shall be erected at a distance from the trunks  to be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to commencement of work on site;

(ii)  Any development within or directly adjacent to the crown spread of the trees shall be the subject of a detailed written method statement incorporating foundation details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before work on site commences;

(iii) No materials (including fuel or spoil) shall be stored within the crown spread of the trees;

(iv)  No burning of materials shall take place within three metres of the crown spread of any tree;

(v)   No services shall be routed under the crown spread of any tree without the express written permission of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  In order to safeguard the existing landscape features of the site and to secure compliance with Policies GP1 and H7 of the York Development Control Local Plan.

REASON:                  The proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the report and the additional condition listed above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to impact upon the visual amenity of the wider street scene, impact upon the residential amenity of neighbouring properties, impact of the proposal on the level of traffic and on-street parking generated, impact of the proposal on the local drainage pattern and impact of the proposal on the level of amenity space for the units generated. As such the proposal complies with Policies H7, GP1, GP10 and L1c) of the City of York Development Control Local Plan.