This application had been referred to Committee at the request of Cllr Mrs Olivia Francois and Cllr Ben Rigby for the following reasons:

‘Following a recent refusal, the applicant has now looked to decrease the ridge height thus not creating a first floor to include dormer and instead look to create a single story ground floor front and rear extension. The height and bulk which was argued would result in the building becoming overbearing in comparison to neighbouring buildings has been amended. No windows will be facing neighbouring properties so no risk of loss of privacy. The height of the existing roof will not be altered. This property would still be in keeping with neighbouring properties. I do not think that the proposed extension would be harmful to the openness of the green belt. There are multiple properties on this road which have all benefited from added development.’

‘The applicant has put forward plans, on a single story basis, which I believe are in keeping with both the character and style of Havering’s Grove. In this instance, I feel given the previous planning history, and the clear willingness to comply with planning regulations, the Committee must take a view and in doing so enable Members to rule on the application. I do not believe the officer’s report has taken into consideration the considerable efforts at compliance with the objections raised at previously refused applications, while I believe the single storey elements that have been suggested in replacement of increasing the ridge height, alongside the Local Plan Policy MG02 and the NPPF, are appropriate both for the property and for the specific area. No neighbour objections have been received, despite the impacts on the property, which have been minimised and any overbearing features are tolerable as a result. The refusal, therefore, strikes me as something on which members must take a view as to whether the extent of the development genuinely amounts to significant harm to the Green Belt and non-compliance with the standards above, or not, and whether those standards need to evolve for single-story buildings in Havering's Grove accordingly.’

Ms Georgia Taylor presented the report. 

The Applicant, Mr Blewitt, addressed the Committee in support of his application.

Cllr Rigby spoke as Ward Councillor outlining the reasons for referral.

Cllr Mrs Francois also spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the application and advised the Committee as she had referred the application she would not be voting.

Whilst some members agreed with the reasons for referral other members considered inappropriate development in the green belt which they believed should be protected.

Following a full discussion a motion to APPROVE the application was MOVED by Cllr Barber and SECONDED by Cllr McCheyne.

A vote was taken and Members voted as follows:

FOR:  Cllrs Barber, Bridge, Heard, McCheyne, Munden, Mrs Murphy (6)

AGAINST:  Cllrs Barrett, M Cuthbert, Mrs M Cuthbert, Gorton, Mynott (5)

ABSTAIN (0)

The motion to APPROVE the application was CARRIED.

[Cllr Mrs Francois left the meeting following this item.]