Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for an extension to form furniture storeroom.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented and application and listed building application for an extension to form furniture storeroom to Masonic Hall at Castle Grove Masonic Hall, Castle Grove Drive, Leeds.

Members attended a site visit prior to the meeting and site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

·  There would be an additional condition to remove the shed and storage container in the grounds of the building.

·  There had been a reduction in the height of the proposed extension from the original design.

·  With regard to heritage, the proposal for a stone built extension was felt appropriate.

A neighbouring resident addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

·  The shed and container had been sited in the grounds of the lodge without planning permission.

·  There had been no attempt to contact neighbouring properties.

·  The impact on the view having a plain stone building adjacent to gardens.

·  Tree planting – this would further block light to gardens.  The applicant had previously allowed a leylandii hedge to grow out of control.

·  The plans would have a detrimental effect on property values.

The applicant’s representative addressed the Panel.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  The hall was a popular venue and used for a variety of events most days of the week.  This provided an income which allowed the maintenance of the listed building.

·  The proposals would generate more ground storage space and allow the applicant to remove the existing shed and container.

·  A landscaped area would be included.

·  There had been consideration given to neighbouring properties by reducing the height, length and width of the original proposals. The applicant felt that amenity would be enhanced with a permanent building and landscaped areas.

In response to questions and comments from Members, the following was discussed:

·  It was suggested that a further condition could be included regarding landscaping.

·  The existing storage shed had received retrospective planning application in 2009.  There had not been permission for the container which had been on site for approximately 25 years.

·  The extension was required to be built in the proposed location as it was the only suitable location to allow for ground level access for storage and moving of furniture.

·  Planning Officers had met with Ward Councillors and local residents and this had led to the reduction in size of the original plans.

·  A suggestion that windows be included to break up the plain wall of the extension facing residential properties.

·  The proposed extension would meet design guide distance requirements.

RESOLVED –

(1)  That application 16/04093/FU be deferred and delegated for approval subject to receipt of revised plans incorporating windows or faux windows in the flank wall facing the listed building and subject to additional conditions regarding:

·  Submission of a landscaping scheme to the landscaped area adjacent to the boundary wall (Species of a type not to exceed the height of the adjacent boundary wall).

·  Existing shed and container to be removed from the site prior to the new extension being brought into use.

(2)  That application 16/05247/LI be deferred and delegated for approval subject to receipt of revised plans incorporating windows or faux windows in the flank wall facing the listed building.