Agenda and minutes

Erection of 5 no. five bedroom, 7 no. four bedroom, 2 no. three bedroom and 10 no. two bedroom dwellings with associated landscaping and vehicular access from Knox Green following demolition of existing buildings, and alterations to wall within the curtilage of a listed building.

This application, which had been considered by Planning Committee at its meeting on 16 October 2014, was reported back to the Committee as the applicant did not consider that the scheme was financially viable if the affordable housing required under the Committee resolution was to be provided.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.

The criteria for public speaking had been met in respect of this application and the Committee was addressed by the registered speaker Mr Trinder, who represented his objections to the proposed development, and Mr Jouanides, who represented the Agent in the case, MGI Architecture Limited, on behalf of the Applicant.

Members expressed concern in making a decision on this application before seeing the viability study submitted by the applicant and the independent assessment of this study prepared for the Council. The viability reports were currently considered to be commercially sensitive and would need to be brought to a future meeting of the Committee in closed session (or if deemed to not be commercially sensitive, in open session). Members also queried at what point a lower number of affordable housing units was viable on the site.

A motion to DEFER the application was moved and seconded. On being put to the vote the motion was CARRIED and this application was deferred to a future meeting of the Committee.

Erection of outbuilding forming workshop.

The Committee noted:

·                     The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.

·                     The comments of Sandhurst Town Council.

·                     Four letters of objection had been received in relation to the amended plans, from the original objectors to the scheme and raised the following matters: it would set a precedent and was an eyesore, noise issues, height and size of building, disposal of rainwater still a concern, other outbuildings could be erected by neighbours to maintain privacy and block out height of proposed outbuilding.

Members noted that the workshop would be used for private purposes and would be ancillary to the residential dwelling. The workshop could be used as a habitable room but was not for commercial purposes.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans received by the Local Planning Authority on 5 January 2015:

drawing no JSD-14-69/01

03.       The outbuilding hereby permitted shall not be used at any time other than for purposes ancillary to the residential use of the dwellinghouse, known as 1 Cornbunting Close Sandhurst GU47 0XZ.

04.       The dormer window in the north elevation of the development hereby permitted shall not be glazed at any time other than with a minimum of Pilkington Level 3 obscure glass (or equivalent).  It  shall at all times be fixed with the exception of a top hung openable fanlight.

05.       The  window in the western elevation of the proposed development shall at all times be a high level window having a sill height of not less than 1.7 metres above internal floor level.

06.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any Order revoking and re-enacting that Order with or without modification) no additional windows, similar openings or enlargement thereof shall be constructed in the northern, eastern, southern and western elevations of the outbuilding  except for any which may be shown on the approved drawings.

Erection of 7 staff houses in form of two detached houses and a terrace with associated car parking following demolition of the Head and Deputy Headmistresses houses; erection of Junior Boarding House for 60 pupils (including  3no. 1 bedroom and 1no.  2 bedroom duplex level staff flats) with alterations/extension to existing car park; and extension to Phoenix Boarding House to provide accommodation for 14 pupils.

The Committee noted:

·                     The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.

·                     The comments of Winkfield Parish Council.

·                     Four objections were received: i) The application represents a departure from the development plan as it is development within the countryside; ii) Why is there a need for staff housing on site when there is staff housing on North Street and why is the housing of the size and layout proposed.

Members noted that there would be no change to the number of staff or maximum number of 250 pupils on site. Members noted that 30 car parking spaces would be removed and 34 car parking spaces would be added.

RESOLVED that following the completion of planning obligation(s) under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 relating to:-

01.       Restricting the occupancy of the staff housing and flats to persons employed at the site (& their dependants).                       

            Contributions towards the Thames Basin Heaths SPA mitigation.   

That the Head of Development Management be authorised to APPROVE the application subject to the following condition(s):-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans and documents:                                             

            Transport Statement received 29.09.14        

            Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment received 29.09.14         

            Arboricultural Impact Assessment received 29.09.14           

            Extended Phase 1 Habitat Assessment received 29.09.14  

            5165/1100 Site Location Plan (Red line for Planning) 1:2500 received 29.09.14     

            5098/1100 Existing Site Plan 1:500 received 29.09.14         

            5098/1110A Proposed Site Plan 1:500 received 29.09.14    

            5098/1120 Staff Housing Existing Site Survey 1:200 received 29.09.14     

            5098/1130 Staff Housing Block Plan 1:200 received 29.09.14        

            5098/1200 Staff Housing HM's House 1:100 received 29.09.14      

            5098/1201A Staff Housing Director of Boarding's House 1:100 received 29.09.14 

            5098/1202/A Staff Housing Terraced Plans 1:100 received 29.09.14          

            5098/1300 Staff Housing Terraced Elevations 1:100 received 29.09.14     

            4985/1100 JBH and Car Park Existing Site Plan received 29.09.14

            4985/1101 JBH and Car Park Proposed Site Plan received 29.09.14         

            4985/1200 JBH Plans 1:100 received 29.09.14        

            4985/1201 JBH Plans 1:100 received 29.09.14        

            4985/1300 JBH Elevations 1:100 received 29.09.14

            4985/1301A JBH Elevations 1:100 received 29.09.14          

            5165/110A Phoenix House Existing Plan and Elevations 1:100 received 29.09.14 

            5165/1111 Phoenix House Extension Proposed Site Plan 1:100 received 29.09.14           

            5165/1200 Phoenix House Extension Floor Plans 1:100 received 29.09.14

            5165/1300 Phoenix House Extension Elevations 1:100 received 29.09.14  

            4985/1102 Junior Building Drainage Plan 1:200 received 18.11.14 

            5098/1135 Staff Housing Drainage Plan 1:200 received 18.11.14   

            5165/1201 Phoenix House Drainage Plan 1:200 received 18.11.14                        

03.       The number of staff employed by Heathfield School shall be restricted to no more  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87.

Garage extension and the erection of a pitched roof.

A site visit had been held on Saturday 17 January 2015 which had been attended by Councillors Mrs Angell, Ms Brown, Brossard, Davison, Dudley, Heydon, Thompson and Mrs McCracken.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• Four objections were received:

                      i.        The proposed height, massing and pitched roof layout of the development would be adversely out of character with the surrounding area.

                     ii.        The cumulative length of the garage would result in an adverse overbearing impact on the neighbouring residential properties.

                    iii.        Insufficient information has been submitted concerning details of surface water drainage.

Members noted that Item 8: 91 Staplehurst and Item 9: 90 Staplehurst would need to be considered together, as the outcome of one application would directly impact on the outcome of the other application, but that decisions on the applications would be made separately.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans received by the Local Planning Authority on 29 October 2014 and 20 January 2015:

            Location Plan scale 1:1250

            Drg. NO: GO/042013/01 Issue 3

            Drg No: GO/042013/20

03.       The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall be of similar appearance to those of the existing dwelling.

04.       The development hereby permitted shall be constructed and substantially finished concurrently with the development at 90 Staplehurst, Bracknell (reference: 14/01022/FUL).

Garage extension and the erection of a pitched roof.

A site visit had been held on Saturday 17 January 2015 which had been attended by Councillors Mrs Angell, Ms Brown, Brossard, Davison, Dudley, Heydon, Thompson and Mrs McCracken.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• Two objections were received: insufficient information has been submitted concerning details of surface water drainage.

Members noted that Item 8: 91 Staplehurst and Item 9: 90 Staplehurst would need to be considered together, as the outcome of one application would directly impact on the outcome of the other application, but that decisions on the applications would be made separately.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans received by the Local Planning Authority on 29 October 2014 and 20 January 2015:

            Location Plan scale 1:1250

            Drg. NO: GO/042013/01 Issue 3

            Drg No: GO/042013/20

03.       The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall be of similar appearance to those of the existing dwelling.       

04.       The development hereby permitted shall be constructed and substantially finished concurrently with the development at 91 Staplehurst, Bracknell (reference: 14/01021/FUL).

Erection of a part two storey, part first floor side extension (Re-submission of planning application 14/00633/FUL).

The Committee noted:

• The comments of Winkfield Parish Council.
• Two objections were received and are summarised as follows:

- The design and massing of the development is out of character with the surrounding area, including the use of a single wide garage access door, and has resulted in overdevelopment of the site and a terracing effect. Furthermore the wooden beams as shown on the approved plans for 14/00633/FUL have not been installed.

- The development results in an adverse loss of light to the residents of the neighbouring property of 'Springhill', 23 Beaulieu Close.

- The development does not provide adequate parking provision for vehicles.

Members noted that the extension was 0.4 metres further forward and amendments had been made to the garage as per the report in the agenda papers. The garage was not classified as a double garage as it was not wide enough. Members expressed concern regarding the resident being able to access the driveway via the dropped curb on the corner which was for pedestrian use. Members suggested that a condition be added to prevent the resident from doing this.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be retained in accordance with the following plans received by the Local Planning Authority:       

            2814-2 Issue F 'Proposed elevations' received on 10 December 2014        

            2817-3 Issue F 'Existing and proposed floor plans' received on 10 December 2014           

            2814-7 Issue C 'Parking Plan' received on 10 December 2014       

            2814-10 Issue D 'Site Plan' received on 16 October 2014   

02.       The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall be of similar appearance to those of the existing dwelling.       

03.       Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking and re-enacting that order with or without modification), no windows at first floor level or above shall be installed on the north facing side elevation of the first floor rear extension hereby permitted.       

04.       Within three months of the date of this permission the 2no. off-street parking spaces as shown on drawing 2814-7 Issue C 'Parking Plan' received by the Local Planning Authority on 10 December 2014 shall provided in accordance with the approved plans. The parking spaces shall thereafter be retained for the use of the parking vehicles at all times.  

05.       Within three months of the date of this permission the parking within the garage, shall be provided in accordance with drawing 2814-7 Issue C 'Parking Plan' received by the Local Planning Authority on 10 December 2014. The garage shall, notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (as amended) (or any order revoking or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), thereafter be retained for the use of the parking of vehicles at all times.           

06.       Within three months  ...  view the full minutes text for item 90.

Installation of Key Cutting, Shoe & Watch Repairs Pod to Class 1 Retail Premises.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• One letter of objection concerning a separate retail pod being in danger of turning the site into a disjointed retail park and the expansion of the site being out of keeping with its location at the centre of a residential area.

Members noted that the security of the cash point on the site was not a planning issue and that there was no indication of car parking spaces being lost due to the location of the proposed pod. The door next to the cash point was a fire exit and would not be blocked by the pod.

RESOLVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the following conditions:-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans received by the Local Planning Authority on 7th November 2014 and 20th January 2015:

12861-001 (Rev C4)

12861-060 (Rev C2)

TSQP3 01      

03.       The opening hours of the pod shall be limited to 09.00 hours to 18.00 hours Monday to Saturday and 10.00 hours to 16.00 hours Sunday and at no other times.

04.       No deliveries shall be made to the site before 07.00 hours or after 22.00 hours Monday to Saturday and not before 09.00 hours or after 17.00 hours on Sundays.

Erection of 3 no. 4 bedroom houses and 1 no. 3 bedroom house with associated bin and cycle storage, landscaping, parking and vehicular access off Academy Place on land to the rear of 94 and 96 College Road.(revision to 14/00580/FUL).

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• The comments of Sandhurst Town Council.
• 8 Objections were received and the concerns were summarised as follows:

- Impact upon the character of the area

- Over development resulting in a visually cramped appearance

- Impact upon the neighbours amenities (overbearing, overshadowing of gardens and overlooking)

- Increase in vehicle movements and lack of parking

- Parking pressures from non-residents parking in Academy Place

- Impact upon wildlife

- Loss of trees

• 3 Additional Objections had been received and the concerns raised were summarised as follows: i) Concerns were raised that the development would significantly impact upon the amenities of the adjacent private gardens in Academy Place; ii) Concerns were raised that the applicant's assessment was inaccurate and the overshadowing problem had not been solved. The suggestion that a house had been removed (from 3 to 2 houses) to alleviate overbearing impact had also done little to improve the situation as the height and depth has increased to incorporate 2 x 4bed houses (previously 3 beds); iii) It was also alleged that inadequate public consultation was undertaken relating to this revised proposal.

Members expressed concern regarding the proximity of the site to nearby properties and the potential for the land between the fence and the back of the properties in Academy Place to be built on however it was noted that condition 5 required a planning application for such development. Members noted that this was an amended application with one property removed from the plans, the remaining properties moved back a further 3 metres, and the proposal complied with light parameters for the other properties nearby.

Given the neighbours were re-consulted on the 15 January 2015 with regards to the amendments received, the expiry date of this consultation will expire on 29 January 2015, one week after the Planning Committee Meeting and it is therefore standard practice for the recommendation to be amended to reflect this as follows: 

RESOLVED that subject to:

1          No new material objections being received by 29 January 2015 which have not been already considered; and,

2          Following the completion of planning obligation(s) under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 relating to:-

(i)         SPA Mitigation

(ii)        Dedication of part of the site access as public highway

(iii)       Maintenance of public areas

The Head of Development Management be authorised to approve the application subject to the conditions recommended in the Committee report. 

Condition(s):-

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

02.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out only in accordance with the following approved plans and other submitted details.               

12065-02-200 Rev.A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93.

Installation of 10 metre tall dual-operator telecom's monopole complete with 1 no. antenna within a GRP shroud , 1 no. equipment unit plus ancillary works.

The criteria for public speaking had been met in respect of this application and the Committee was addressed by the registered speakers Mr Wigzell and Mr Kingdom, who represented their objections to the proposed development.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• The comments of Winkfield Parish Council.
• 12 letters of objection had been received and raised the following issues:

- The pole would be visually prominent within the Green Belt.

- The siting is an accident hot spot.

- The siting is on the only dangerous, narrow stretch of Crouch Lane which is 60 mph.

- Crouch Lane is not salted in the winter.

- The applicant has incorrectly stated it is a 30mph road.

- Alternative sites have also not been fully explored for example the pumping station and owners of adjacent fields have not been approached.

- A more urban location would be more suitable, for example, North Street.

- A site with tree cover would be more suitable. There was no tree on site although one was show on the plans.

• An additional letter of objection had been received which increased the total number to 13, and raised the following issues:

                      i.        The lane was old and never originally intended for large vehicle use therefore traffic had increased over the years.

                     ii.        With the exception of a few hundred yards at one end of the lane the speed limit was 60 mph and there were many large horse boxes using the lane.

                    iii.        Due to the highways definition of the lane there was no maintenance on the surface and there was no camber, also the ditch was deep and combined with the bend could be a very real danger to cars meeting a large horse box coming in the opposite direction.

                   iv.        Many local residents had experienced a "nowhere to go situation" and a mast and cabinet would make a bad situation worse.

                    v.        Visually the mast would be a dangerous distraction.

                   vi.        Neighbourhood Watch was not aware of any large increase in stabling and horse traffic but were aware that there was much larger traffic in the lane in recent years.

Members expressed concern regarding the siting of the mast and the potential impact on vehicles coming from both directions on the road and noted that the mast would be sited on a grass verge and any maintenance vehicles should be parked off road.

Members noted that there had been just one accident on the road in the past ten years and it was not related to the bend in the road. Members noted that the mast would be erected to replace another mast and suggested that there be an additional condition requiring the removal of the mast to be replaced. Members noted that the application complied with Highway Safety standards  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94.