Erection of two-storey side extension following demolition of part of the attached listed wall, alterations to rear garden room; minor internal alterations and repairs to chimney stack.

The proposal sought planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of two-storey side extension following demolition of part of the attached listed wall, alterations to rear garden room, minor internal alterations and repairs to chimney stack. The site was at the end of Grade II listed Wallace Terrace and was in the Green Belt.

The application was referred to the Committee at the discretion of the Chief Planning Officer as the recommendation was at odds with conservation advice obtained at pre-application stage by a former Officer of the Council.

Members’ attention was brought to further information contained within the late observations sheet, but did not propose any amendments or changes to the recommendation before the Committee.

It was noted that a Members’ Site Inspection had been held for this application.

The Committee was addressed by the following speakers:

Against the Application:       -

For the Application:              Chris Munn

Parish Representative:         -

Local Member:                      Cllr. Pett

Members asked questions of clarification from the Speakers and Officers. Officers confirmed that the Conservation Officer had felt that the size of the extension the symmetry of the property and the historic floorplan were significant characteristics. Officers had telephoned English Heritage and confirmed that the property had not been delisted because of previous alterations. Officers advised that the applicant did intend to match brick with existing elevations, as well as bonding and tiles.

It was moved by the Chairman and was duly seconded that the recommendation in the report to refuse permission be adopted.

Members were disappointed at the handling of the application process, with the applicants suffering from contradictory advice between the former and present Conservation Officers.

A Member indicated that the matter was not clear as even the Conservation Officers had opposing views. Members noted the comments of the Georgian Group that the proposal would “nearly double the footprint of the listed building” and that this was incorrect. Members felt it would be preferable to have a comment from the Georgian Group once the facts of the application had been made clear.

Some concerns were raised by the Committee that the development may overwhelm the host. However Members also indicated the development may provide balance to the terrace as a whole.

A Member suggested that the windows of the proposal perhaps should have matched the existing fenestration. Some Members suggested that the preservation of the fireplace may be beneficial to the conservation of the property, however more information would be needed.

It was moved by the Chairman that the application be deferred to obtain the further information required and so that when the item was reported back to Committee the Conservation Officer would attend the meeting. The motion was put to the vote and it was

Resolved: That consideration of the applications for planning permission and listed building consent be deferred to allow

1)        the Conservation Officer to contact the Georgian Group to obtain a revised response based on clarity over the size of the extension;

2)        the Conservation officer to carry out an internal inspection, including considering the historic value of the kitchen fireplace and whether it needs to be retained if an extension is agreed;

3)        consideration of whether the design of the windows should be altered to better relate to the form of windows on the original building; and

4)        when the item is reported back for the Conservation Officer to attend the meeting.