This application had been referred by Cllr McLaren for the following reason:

‘The size of the applicant's development is modest and will have no impact from a greenbelt / openness perspective.

The officer is using the existing detached garage as a reference point for measuring impact, which I believe is inappropriate.

The applicant has already removed a significant, unsightly (and impractical) side extension. The impact of the proposed small first floor addition in my view causes far less harm to the neighbourhood / street scene than the harm that was caused by the extension that has been removed.’

In the referral agreement email reference was also made to development on a

nearby site (estimated at 100m away) which is commented on as ‘three storey

houses that can't be far from being twice as high and far more out of character than this.’

This application proposes the demolition of existing single storey side and rear additions and the construction of a two storey side extension, two front dormers, enlargement of an existing rear dormer, repositioning of front door to include addition of porch at front, alterations to fenestration and add safety rails to rear terrace at No. 121 Coxtie Green Road, Pilgrims Hatch.

Mr Max Gibson presented the report.

The applicant, Mr Giddens, was present at the meeting and spoke in support of the application.

Cllr McLaren, Ward Councillor, was also present and spoke in support of the application.

Cllr Mynott expressed concerns regarding the fact that this was a disproportionate addition to the property and he could see no special circumstances for building upon green belt.

A motion was MOVED by Cllr Mynott to REFUSE the application and SECONDED by Cllr Laplain.

A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR:  Cllrs Cuthbert, Laplain and Mynott (3)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Barber, Bridge, Cloke, Gelderbloem, Heard, Tanner and Wiles (7)

ABSTAIN: Cllr Dr Barrett (1)

The motion to REFUSE the application was LOST.

Following further debate a motion was MOVED by Cllr Cloke and SECONDED by Cllr Bridge to APPROVE the application.

A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR: Cllrs Barber, Bridge, Cloke, Gelderbloem, Heard, Tanner and Wiles (7)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Cuthbert, Laplain and Mynott (3)

ABSTAIN: Cllr Dr Barrett (1)

The application was APPROVED subject to the following conditions:

1
The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason:  To comply with Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

2
The development hereby permitted shall not be carried out except in complete accordance with the approved drawing(s) listed above and specifications.

Reason:  To ensure that the development is as permitted by the local planning authority and for the avoidance of doubt.

3
The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the building hereby permitted shall match those used in the existing building, apart from the safety rails surrounding the first floor rear balcony.

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area.

4
Notwithstanding the details indicated in the application, the first floor rear balcony shall not be used by the occupiers of the dwelling until samples of the safety railings to be used have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.  Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.

Reason:  In order to safeguard the character and appearance of the area.