Agenda item

The application was for a second floor extension including dormer windows above and within existing roof space to facilitate conversion of existing offices (Class B1) to 48 flats (37 one bed, 10 two bed and 1 three bed) with associated parking, bin/cycle storage and access from Maybury Close. (Amended info rec'd 02/03/18), (Amended cil form rec'd 05/03/18), (Amended plans rec'd 01/06/18 & 04/06/18).

Members received the following updates on the application:

“A letter has been provided from the new agent appointed by the applicant (Annex 2), requesting that the application be deferred to allow for submission of amended plans to overcome the reasons for refusal. 

Officer comments:

No amended plans have been received and no specific details regarding the proposed amendments have been provided. Furthermore, in the officer’s opinion, a reduction in the proposed number of units is necessary and non-negotiable in terms of seeking to overcome the proposed reasons for refusal. This would require a fundamental change in the proposed development description and would therefore require an entirely new planning application, as it would require a different fee and application form.

As such, there is no guarantee that amended plans would overcome the reasons for refusal and it is therefore considered that the current application should be determined at Committee.”

Members noted the letter provided by the new agent for the application, which was published as an annex in the supplementary papers at the meeting.

The officer recommendation to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Ian Sams and seconded by Councillor David Mansfield, and put to the vote and carried.

            RESOLVED that application 18/1043 be refused.

Note 1

In accordance with Part 4, Section D, paragraph 18 of the Constitution, Cllr Colin Dougan and Cllr Victoria Wheeler did not vote on the application as they were not present for the whole consideration of the item.

Note 2

It was noted for the Record Councillor Edward Hawkins was contacted by a relative of one of the Public Speakers on the application. He advised the representor that he could not comment on the application.

           Note 3

As this application had triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Mr Roger Fennell and Mr Anthony Farmer spoke in objection to the application and Mr Chris Wilmhurst, the agent, spoke in support of the application.

Note 4

In accordance with Part 4, Section D, paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to the application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the recommendation to refuse the application:

Councillors Nick Chambers, Mrs Vivienne Chapman, Edward Hawkins, Jonathan Lytle, Jonathan Lytle, David Mansfield, Max Nelson, Adrian Page, Robin Perry, Pat Tedder, John Winterton and Valerie White.