Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for detached dwelling to garden plot

(report attached)

  Plans, drawings, photographs and precedent images were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Officers presented the report which sought approval of an application for a detached dwelling to garden plot at the rear of 16 Park Avenue LS8, which was situated in a Conservation Area and close to Roundhay Park

  The varied nature of the house types and the materials used in the surrounding area were highlighted.  Members were informed that the proposed dwelling was of a modern design, however the Council’s Conservation Officer had not objected to the proposals and as the site was well screened, it was not felt that the proposal had a detrimental effect on the character of the area

  The vehicular access arrangements were outlined which would be from Park Lane,

  The receipt of an additional letter of objection was reported, however it was stated this did not raise any new matters

  The Panel heard representations from a local Ward Member, who outlined his concerns, which included:

·  the design of the proposed dwelling

·  issues of overlooking

·  drainage issues, particularly in view of proposals for a swimming pool for the host property

·  loss of trees

·  access arrangements and highway concerns

·  the impact on a neighbouring resident of work already undertaken at the site

·  out of character with the Conservation Area

The Panel then heard representations on behalf of the applicant who

provided information which included:

·  the extent of the loss of trees

·  the vehicular access arrangements and that Highway Officers were satisfied with the proposals

·  that the neighbour dispute referred to was not relevant to the consideration of the planning application

The Panel discussed the application and commented on the following

matters:

·  drainage and the need for further details to be provided

·  access arrangements for the proposed dwelling and host property.  The Panel’s Lead Officer proposed an additional condition to stipulate that vehicular access would only be from Park Avenue

·  proposed materials

·  the design of the dwelling; concerns that a Design Officer was not in attendance; the proximity of traditionally designed dwellings to the site and the difference in approach to design from that scheme to the one under consideration

The Panel considered how to proceed.  On the issues raised about

design, Members were informed that Officers could only respond to the designs put forward by applicants and that it was working practice to consult the conservation officer on design issues of developments of this nature and size within a conservation area

  RESOLVED -  That determination of the application be deferred for one cycle for further consideration of the design of the proposals, to include a review by an officer of the Council’s Design Team; further information on drainage and highways, particularly the introduction of a segregated driveway between the two properties occupying the site; details on how other applications in close proximity to the subject site were dealt with in design terms and the Chief Planning Officer’s further report to also include the additional condition as proposed relating to boundary details

  (Councillor J Procter joined the meeting during consideration of this matter)