Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application seeking part retrospective planning permission for the installation of biomass hoppers to rear of garage with associated flues; solar panels to roof of garage and extension of garage to enclose fuel storage hoppers at Throstle Nest Villa, New Road Side, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 4LS.

(Report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an application for a part retrospective application for the installation of biomass hoppers to the rear of garage with associated flues; solar panels to roof of garage and extension of garage to enclose fuel storage hoppers at Throstle Nest Villa.

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

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

·  Throstle Nest Villa was sub-divided into bedsits and flats.

·  The application had been referred to the Panel following concerns of local Ward Councillors and residents.

·  Concerns regarding smoke emissions were reported to the Council in 2016 shortly after the installation of the biomass boilers. This was due to the boilers not being set up correctly and this was subsequently adjusted.  Environmental Health had been involved and it was concluded that the boilers could be operated without causing pollution.

·  The boilers were a source of low carbon energy and were licensed by DEFRA.  The installation had been inspected by Building Control and were compliant with building regulations.

·  An air quality assessment had been carried out and there had not been any breach of objectives.

·  The extension of the garage was requested to enclose the storage of the fuel for the boilers.

·  Reference was made to objections to the application.

·  The application was recommended for approval.

A local resident addressed the Panel with concerns and objections to the application. These included the following:

·  There were concerns for resident’s health following frequent smoke and odour nuisance.  There had been an increase in headaches and asthma and it was believed the emissions from the flues were the cause.

·  Air quality monitoring carried out by residents had shown an increase in particulate matter.

·  DEFRA had not inspected the site.

·  If the emissions could be directed via chimneys on the main building, this would alleviate the problem.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  The odour and smoke was not a daily occurrence but did frequently happen on mornings and an evening.

o  The applicant’s agent had stated that it was not practical to use the existing chimneys on the building and Building Control has also felt that this was not a feasible solution.

An Environmental Health Officer addressed the panel.  With regard to air quality objectives and standards and the modelling system used to measure dispersal of particulate matters it was felt that in this case there was a negligible impact in air quality.

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

·  There had been considerable depth and assessment given to the application before recommendation for approval and there had been a comprehensive and robust assessment of the plans.

·  The installation of the boilers was to improve the facilities o fthe tenants and the environment.

·  The scheme met requirements of the conservation area and building requirements.

·  The scheme was fully compliant with development plans and the NPPPF.

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

·  Installation of taller flues could provide an unacceptable visual intrusion.

·  The existing chimney stacks were already in use for fireplaces in the main building.

·  The possibility of installing an alternative external flue.

·  The air quality measuring was based on DEFRA standards and was based on a modelling system and not site based monitoring.

·  It was suggested that the application be deferred to investigate alternative solutions and further consultation with Ward Members and local residents.

RESOLVED – That the application be deferred for negotiations on an alternative flue arrangement to take any smoke and fumes away from neighbouring residents.  Ward Members to be consulted on any revisions.  The application to be reported back to Panel for determination.