Agenda item

Report of the Head of Planning.

Report of the Head of Planning on a two-storey side extension measuring approximately 4.17m in width at the front and 2.15m in width at the rear, and a single storey side extension measuring approximately 2.5m in width. The existing two storey front projection would be increased in width by approximately 2.6m. The proposal would also incorporate a lower ground floor level basement with a home cinema, gym and sitting room. The basement level would additionally host a plant room for an external swimming pool. The roof space would be converted to habitable accommodation via the addition of dormer windows and rooflights.

Faye Wright, spoke as the agent, stating the homes owners have lived there since 2008 and were an integral in their local community. The extensions proposed were sensible and better than the permitted development design currently in place.  The previous designs which had been approved looked clumsy and the new proposal was visually better and had less of an impact.

Councillor Jacqui Boulton, spoke on behalf of North Mymms Parish Council, stating that the development was inappropriate as the development was near a site of special scientific interest. The development would result in a loss of openness and would be visibly intrusive on the Green Belt. The site was next to a woodland and quarry. There has been no inclusion of planting to protect the greenbelt and if granted could lead the way for further development on the greenbelt.

Members sought clarification on what would happen to the permitted development rights if planning was granted. Officers stated that the permitted development rights would be relinquished and be void should this proposal be granted. There would also be no new permitted development attached to the proposal if granted. The applicant would have to seek further planning permission should they wish to make any additional extensions to the proposal.

Members considered whether the development would infringe on the greenbelt visually. Officers stated that the permitted development right would have a greater impact visually than the proposal. Members stated that the proposal was for a uniform build rather than an odd shape and therefore the impact on the openness is minimal.

Members expressed concern that whilst the proposal would be less impactful than the permitted development fall-back, granting permission to the proposal could set a precedent in the area for permitted development. Officers stated that permitted development were the fallback position and that each application would be treated on its own merit.

Members asked about the impact on the sites of special scientific interest. Officers stated that no consideration had been given to the sites and Herts Ecology and the Wildlife Trust were not consulted. The legal advisor stated that the statutory consultees would have to raise an issue and there were an array of potential impacts.  However, given the proposal it would seem that the only impact on sites of special scientific interest would be from the construction process, which would exist should the permitted development rights be exercised.

Members asked about the landscaping and the increased glazing. Officer stated that the permitted development would have a greater impact on the Green Belt and therefore landscaping not necessary to make the development acceptable and that the glazing would have a negligible impact.

The Chair gave an overview of the main points raised throughout the discussion and concerns raised.

Following discussion, it was proposed and seconded by Councillors P. Shah and P. Smith to accept the application and

          RESOLVED:

          (12 in Favour, 1 abstention)

Subject to the conditions set out in the officer report.