Agenda item

Installation of 6no. dormer windows in roof of Block B.

Having declared a prejudicial interest, Councillor Finch withdrew from the meeting during the consideration of this item.

Installation of 6no. dormer windows in roof of Block B.

The Committee noted:

• The supplementary report of the Head of Development Management tabled at the meeting.
• The comments of Bracknell Town Council.
• Ten letters of Objection.

Members expressed concern in relation to the installation of 6 dormer windows in the roof of Block B as being a precursor to the roof areas of the building being used as self-contained units. A further concern was in relation to whether the residents of Block B had been consulted on the changes to take place in the planning application.

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 12.3.12 _ 5.4.12:

           719/1, 1A, 783/A4, 567/16e12 

03.     The materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall;     

          a) match those of the existing building, or       

          b) shall be as unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

04.     No construction of the dormer windows shall commence until the internal access stairways from flats 29 to 31 have been completed and approval given in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

05.     No construction of the dormer windows shall commence until the following change to the existing facilities for 2 additional units in Block B has been completed and approval given in writing by the Local Planning Authority: change all accommodation access doors at the second floor to be for emergency fire exit only, and remove the external doorbells and postboxes at the main entrance which have been installed for two separate flats in the roof space.

06.     The doors on the second floor flats 29 and 31 shall be retained as emergency fire exit only doors. 

Summary Of Reason(s) For Decision:

The following development plan policies have been taken into account in determining this planning application:

Bracknell Forest Borough Local Plan (saved policies):

EN20 – as it would be acceptable in terms of its impact upon the character of the area, and amenity of surrounding properties and adjoining area.

Core Strategy DPD

CS1 – which seeks to ensure that development makes efficient use of land and buildings, reduces the need for travel, promotes a mix of uses, conserves water and energy use, supports the economic wellbeing of the population, protects and enhances safety, natural resources, character of local landscape and historic and cultural features.

CS7 – which seeks to ensure that developments are of high quality design.

South East Plan

CC6 – which seeks development that will respect and enhance the character and distinctiveness of settlements and landscapes, and use innovative design to create a high quality built environment which promotes a sense of place.

NPPF

(Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list).

The following material considerations have been taken into account:

Third party representations have been received on the grounds that the proposal would be out of keeping with the area, result in overlooking and loss of amenities for residents of nearby properties and questioning the future use of the roof space to be served by the proposed dormer windows. These comments were taken into consideration, however it is considered that the proposal would comply with BFBLP Policy EN20, Core Strategy DPD Policies CS1 and CS7 and SEP Policy CC6.  The proposal will not adversely affect the character of the building, or significantly affect the amenities of neighbouring property.

The planning application is therefore approved.