Agenda item

Erection of 1 no. detached single storey dwelling and garage to the rear of 48 Wetherby Road (resubmission).  [Westfield Ward]

Members considered a full application, submitted by Mr & Mrs Jeffrey, for the erection of 1 no. detached single storey dwelling and garage to the rear of 48 Wetherby Road (resubmission).

The case officer circulated a sheet setting out the following changes to the conditions proposed:

·  The addition of conditions to ensure that the dwelling was single storey and preventing external alterations to the roof, to require fixed obscure glazing in the bathroom windows, and to ensure the retention of the hedge on the eastern boundary at a height of at least 2m.

·  The removal of conditions 11 and 13 (HWAY12 and HWAY31) and their replacement with conditions relating to improved vehicular access, provision of turning areas, and replacement cycle storage and car parking.

Representations were received from neighbouring residents, in objection to the application, and from the applicant’s agent, in support of the application.

Some Members expressed concerns regarding the application, relating to the loss of the large area of garden space and the impact this had on the green corridor, the location of the access on the boundary with the gardens of two adjacent properties and the precedent that may be set for future garden developments in the vicinity.

Councillor Macdonald proposed and Councillor B Watson seconded a motion to refuse the application, on the grounds that it contravened Policies GP1 (Design), GP10 (Subdivision of Gardens and Infill Development), H4a (Housing Windfalls) and NE8 (Green Corridors) of the Draft Deposit Local Plan.  On being put to the vote, this motion was lost.

RESOLVED:             That the application be approved, subject to the conditions listed in the report, with deletion of conditions 11 and 13 and the following additional conditions:

(i)   Condition – “The dwellings to be erected on this site shall be single storey.  No external alterations to the roof to incorporate an additional floor shall be carried out following the completion or occupation of the buildings without the prior written consent of the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  In the interests of protecting the amenities of the adjoining residents and to assist the development being integrated into the area.”

(ii)  Condition – “Fixed obscure glazing shall be fitted to the bathroom windows and shall thereafter be retained.

Reason:  In the interests of the privacy of the neighbouring residents.”

(iii)Condition – “The existing hedge to the eastern boundary of the site shall be retained at a minimum of two metres in height unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority and a suitable alternative agreed.

Reason:  In the interests of the privacy of the neighbouring residents.”

(iv)Condition – “The building shall not be occupied until vehicular access has been improved in accordance with details which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason:  In the interests of highway safety.”

(v)  Condition – “No part of the site shall come into use until the turning areas have been provided  in accordance with the approved plans. Thereafter the turning areas shall be retained free of all obstructions and used solely for the intended purpose.

Reason:   To enable vehicles to enter and leave the site in a forward gear thereby ensuring the safe and free passage of traffic on the public highway.”

(vi)Condition – “Prior to the development commencing details of replacement cycle storage and car parking for 48 Wetherby Road, lost as a consequence of this development, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  The facilities shall be provided prior to the new dwelling being first occupied and thereafter retained solely for their intended purposes.

Reason: To provide adequate off street parking for the existing dwelling.”

REASON: In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal, subject to the conditions listed, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference to the character of the area, neighbouring residential amenity or landscape features. As such the proposal complies with Policy H9 of the North Yorkshire County Structure Plan (Alteration No.3 Adopted 1995) and Policies GP1, GP10, H4A, H5A, NE1 and NE8 of the City of York Local Plan Deposit Draft.