Agenda item

DM.36/16       

The Committee considered the details of the planning applications prepared by the Planning Case Officers as presented in the agenda papers, and considered also the comments of Town and Parish Councils together with other representations received, which were listed within the presented agenda reports, and RESOLVED that:

2498/16/HHO             16 Meadcombe Road, Thurlestone

Parish: Thurlestone

Householder application for first floor extension (resubmission of 55/2207/15/F)

Case Officer Update: N/A

Speakers included:     Objector – Mr Kendrick;

                                       Supporter – Mr Gardner;

                                       Parish Council rep – Cllr Goddard; and

 Local Ward Members – Cllrs Pearce and Wright

Recommendation:  Conditional Approval

Committee Decision:  Refusal

During the debate, a number of Members highlighted the merits of the site inspection and, in particular, the ability to gauge the potential impact on No. 18 Meadcombe Road (the neighbouring property to the west of the application site).  The majority of Members felt that the reasons that were cited for the previous refusal decision on this site (that had subsequently been endorsed on appeal) had not been sufficiently overcome to warrant this application being conditionally approved.  In particular, the proposals were considered to be overbearing and dominant to No. 18 and were therefore contrary to policy DP3.

Reasons for Refusal:

The proposals would have an overbearing and dominant impact on the rear garden of No. 18 Meadcombe Road and were therefore contrary to DP3.  In addition, the proposals would still have a substantial and adverse impact on the street scene that would be untypical of the Mead Estate.

1319/16/FUL               Jackmans Barn, 5 Follaton Farm Barns, Totnes, TQ9 5NA

                                     Parish:  Totnes

New dwelling within grounds of existing dwelling

Case Officer Update: N/A

Speakers included:     Supporter – Mr Jones;

Local Ward Members – Cllrs Green and Vint; and

DCC Highways Officer – Mr Jackson

Recommendation:  Refusal

Committee Decision:  Conditional Approval

Conditions:

1.            Standard time limit;

2.            Accord with plans;

3.            Unsuspected contamination;

4.            Removal of Permitted Development rights;

5.            Ecology; and

6.            Sensitive light mitigation (ecology).

During the debate, a number of Members made the point that there was a real need for safety improvements for pedestrians to be made along Plymouth Road and a Member specifically requested that the Totnes Transport Forum be tasked with focusing on a long-term solution for this issue.  That being said, it was recognised that there were a number of properties in this area and the impact of one additional dwelling was therefore considered to have a minimal effect on road safety.  Some Members also made reference to the distance of the application site from the town centre and that, in reality, the majority of residents would drive and not walk into the town.  Finally, some Members also highlighted the innovative and sustainable nature of the design and that the Conservation Officer had raised no objections to this proposal.

Reasons for Conditional Approval:

The Committee felt that there was sufficient pedestrian access (albeit informal) into Totnes town centre.

Members recognised that there had been no serious or fatal accidents at this junction in the last three years and, whilst visibility was far from ideal, the development of one more property in this area was likely to have a very marginal effect on road safety.