Agenda item

To consider the report of the Assistant Director City Development.

The Assistant Director City Development presented the application for the demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new two storey dwelling.

Members were circulated with an update sheet - attached to minutes.

Mrs Frost spoke against the application. She raised the following points:-

·      speaking on behalf of some of the residents;

·      it is the duty of the planning department to retain and protect existing buildings within a conservation area. There is no alternative but to demolish if it is beyond repair and any rebuild should enhance this historic area. Concerned about both the demolition and the rebuild;

·      place importance on the production of a comprehensive and binding Method Statement for both the demolition and new build, which should be made available for all to view before a decision is finally made;

·      impact upon daily routines, quality of life, wellbeing and for those who work from home the ability to earn a living will be severe;

·      there are older properties in the street that will be vulnerable to the impact of heavy traffic flow and the vibration could be a serious risk to their stability. The work will attract contractors and their vehicles. Removal of old and delivery of new materials will be necessary on a daily basis for a considerable period of time.  Access into the street is very narrow so size and weight of vehicles needs to be limited. There is no on or off street parking in the street so alternative parking arrangements for contractors needs is essential;

·      the new build is significantly bigger than the existing building, particularly the roof height in comparison to the existing property and would overshadow the neighbouring houses causing loss of daylight;

·      the rebuild does not reflect the character of the conservation area and the heritage of Topsham;

·      building materials proposed could be more sympathetic to the existing building;

·      the existing building is making a positive contribution to the conservation area and it’s loss will cause harm to the area. To help mitigate its loss the new build could be sympathetic to the existing building in relation to size and style so that it too could make a positive contribution;

·      due to the unique circumstances it is essential that the Method Statement be adhered to by all involved. It will also allow the Council to monitor the contractors performance and compliance with the agreed plan;

·      Devon County Council’s recommendations supports some issues but feel further consideration is required; and

·      expect the Council to confirm that adequate insurance is in place and that a Historic Building Specialist is employed.

Responding to a Member’s query, she emphasised the current difficulties with ongoing renovation works to other properties with associated parking of vans etc. which made access difficult especially for emergency vehicles for elderly residents and confirmed that the proposal could be supported if the applicant could sign up to meeting the issues set out in a proposed Method Statement.

Mr Humphries spoke in support of the application. He raised the following points:-

·      the application results from an extensive dialogue between the planning team and the applicant and was carefully assessed against all material planning considerations. The application complies positively with relevant National, County and Local Plan Policies and officers support the application;

·      the application is to be a family home;

·      the plans reflect input from some of the neighbours and comments of a non - material planning nature have also been taken on board;

·      at the site inspection it was noted that the condition and the evidence submitted confirmed the building cannot be retained and that there is nothing within the building of any historical importance to merit retention;

·      will seek to demolish and rebuild as quickly as possible to assist the immediate neighbours who are most affected by the scaffolding on their property mindful of the need not to cause inconvenience particularly to the neighbours at the end of the cul de sac. The adjoining neighbours have indicated their desire for demolition and rebuild;

·      there is a general presumption for development in the National Planning Policy Framework Government Advice; where the proposal is sustainable - Economically, Environmentally and Socially and in such cases development should go ahead, without delay;

·      the recommendation is subject to nine conditions which the applicant is happy to accept; and

·      request approval of the application.

Responding to a Member’s query, he advised that the new property will be set back slightly from the pavement which will enable materials to be delivered directly to the front of the property and parallel to the road then immediately lifted up into the middle of the build or transferred to the yard through the garage to the rear for storage

The recommendation was for approval, subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

RESOLVED that planning permission for the demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new two storey dwelling be APPROVED, subject to the addition of an informative to ensure that the applicant engages with local residents to agree a construction, management and environment plan prior to submission to comply with condition 3 and subject also to the following conditions:-