The proposal was for permission to demolish an existing 1950s style asbestos flat roof precast concrete garage and erect a steel structure garage.

Officers considered that due to the sheet cladding the design and visual appearance the proposed garage would have an adverse impact on the character and appearance of the area and street scene would be unacceptable as the site was in the Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Members’ attention was drawn to the tabled Late Observations sheet.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              -

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      Cllr. Horwood

Cllr. Horwood also read out a statement on behalf of the applicant who was unable to attend the meeting.

It was MOVED by the Vice-Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to refuse permission, as amended by the Late Observations Sheet, be adopted.

Some Members felt that the proposal was a significant improvement on the existing structure, especially as the current structure was falling down and contained asbestos. They also noted the comments of the Local Member that the proposed garage was unlikely to be seen by those who passed the site. The Parish Council and local residents had not objected to the proposals.

In response to a question Officers confirmed that there was a duty to use high quality materials given the site of the application. Councillors commented that if the design was poor then it did not matter that the site was unlikely to be seen. One Member suggested that the proposal seemed more suited for agricultural or industrial use.

The motion was put to the vote and there voted –

10 votes in favour of the motion

7 votes against the motion

Resolved: That the application be delegated to the Group Planning Manager for refusal as per the report and amended plans received.