HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING A COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON 01 MARCH 2011
AT THE TOWN HALL
Present: Councillor Ellis (Chairman)
Councillors Chambers, Green, Mrs Vincent and Wakely
Co-opted member, Mrs Anne James
Apologies: None
In attendance: Councillor Linacre
Heather Scott, Planning, Information and Facilities Officer
22 Members of the public
John Bagshaw
Town Clerk
“Informed by the information available, the following decisions were taken by the Harpenden Town Councillors. Those Councillors who are also serving on the District Council will also consider the matter afresh at district level in the light of all the evidence including the relevant officer’s report”.
100. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.
No apologies for absence were received.
101. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST
There were no Disclosures of Interest.
102. MINUTES OF THE PLANNING A COMMITTEE HELD ON 01 FEBRUARY 2011.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 01 February 2011, previously circulated, were duly signed as a correct record.
103. PUBLIC QUESTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 61.
There were no public questions.
104. APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 11/02/2011. THREE
WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 04/03/2011.
APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 18/02/2011. THREE
WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 11/03/2011.
The Committees recommendations are attached as APPENDIX A
105. LETTERS OF OBJECTION
The letters of objection were duly noted.
106. APPEALS
The appeals were duly noted.
107. LIST OF WEEKLY ST ALBANS DISTRICT COUNCIL DECISIONS.
The Committee noted the list of delegated decisions.
108. APPLICATION FOR TREE WORKS
The applications for tree works were noted by the Committee.
109. / DATE OF NEXT MEETING / St Albans District Council Planning (Development Control) Committee North meeting to be held on 07 March 2011 – Cancelled.Planning B Committee meeting to be held on Tuesday, 15 March 2011.
Councillors Jackson, Chambers, Green, Holley, Redwood and co opted member Mrs Anne James..
110. CLOSE 9.20 p.m.
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Chairman
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Date
HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL APPENDIX A
APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 11/02/2011. THREE
WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 04/03/2011.
APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 18/02/2011. THREE
WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 11/03/2011.
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Ref: 5/11/0061CP Category: CP Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed) - Loft conversion with rear dormer window and insertion of second floor side window at 29 West Way Harpenden AL5 4RD For Mr D Beer
NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE
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Ref: 5/11/0132 Category: Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Single storey front and part single, part two storey side and rear extensions at 12a Langdale Avenue Harpenden AL5 5QU For Mrs Amanda Wood
NO OBJECTION SUBJECT NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NO 12 LANGDALE AVENUE. POLICY 72 (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0166 Category: Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Single storey rear extension (resubmission following refusal of 5/2010/1715) at 118 Lower Luton Road Harpenden AL5 5AN For Mr & Mrs Ben Venus
NO OBJECTION AS PREVIOUS REASONS FOR REFUSAL APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED.
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Ref: 5/11/0134 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: First floor rear and single storey front and rear extensions at 92 Park Rise Harpenden AL5 3AN For Mr Richard Saunders
EXPRESS CONCERN OVER POSSIBLE LOSS OF AMENITY TO NO. 90 FROM FRONT EXTENSION, BUT HAVE NO OBJECTION IN PRINCIPLE TO REAR EXTENSION PROVIDED NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. POLICY 72 (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0199NMA Category: NMA Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Non-material amendment (reduction of rear rooflights from 8 to 6 and reduction of roof ridge height) of planning permission 5/2010/1813, dated 05/10/2010 for replacement dwelling (amendment to planning permission 5/2009/1117) at 21 Tuffnells Way Harpenden AL5 3HJ For Mr K Chauhan
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0205 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Single storey side and rear extension to replace existing flat roof garage (resubmission following withdrawal of 5/2010/2963) at 42 Park Mount Harpenden AL5 3AR For Mr & Mrs Daniel & Pamela Francis
NO OBJECTION PROVIDED NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. POLICY 72 (V) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS
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Ref: 5/11/0210 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Part single, part two storey side and single storey rear extension at 131 Westfield Road Harpenden AL5 4LU For Mr John Brennan
RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE PROPOSED EXTENSION IS OUT OF SCALE, CHARACTER AND INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE ORIGINAL BUILDING. POLICY 72 (I) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS. THE SIZE OF THE PROPOSED EXTENSION AND THE NEW HARD STANDING FOR PARKING SERIOUSLY DIMINISHES THE AMENITY AND IS CONTRARY TO POLICIES 72 (II) AND (III). CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE POSSIBLE LOSS OF AMENITY TO NO. 133 WESTFIELD ROAD. POLICY 72 (V) REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0010CON Category: CON Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Discharge of Condition 6 (boundary treatment) of planning permission 5/2009/1828 dated 11/11/2009 for demolition of existing attached garage and erection of part two storey front and side extension, part first floor rear extension including front dormer window, two rear dormer windows and replacement garage, roof extension to create further habitable accommodation and alterations to existing openings at 22 Gilpin Green Harpenden AL5 5NR For Mrs Vanessa McClafferty
NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE
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Ref: 5/11/0086 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Replacement dwelling at 22 Prospect Lane Harpenden AL5 2PL For Tilsworth Developments Ltd
NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NO. 20 PROSPECT LANE. POLICY 72 (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0161 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Demolition of garage and erection of two storey side extension at 76 Coleswood Road Harpenden AL5 1EQ For Mr J B Wood
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0187CON Category: CON Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Discharge of Conditions 2 (samples of materials) and 4 (further details) of planning permission 5/10/0410 dated 22/06/10 for two storey east side extension, part single and part two storey west side extension, part single and part two storey rear extension, loft conversion to create additional habitable rooms and insertion of dormer windows and rooflights and detached garage, following demolition of existing west side extension, east and west garages and courtyard walls at Greenloaning West Common Close Harpenden AL5 2LJ For Mr Michael Weston
NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE
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Ref: 5/11/0174 Category: Ward: Harpenden West
Proposal: Loft conversion with front and rear rooflights (retrospective) at 7a Piggottshill Lane Harpenden AL5 1LG For Mr R Cammack
NO OBJECTION
______Ref: 5/11/0181 Category: Ward: Harpenden West
Proposal: Discharge of Conditions 2 (samples of materials) and 5 (dormer window materials) of planning permission 5/09/1270 for demolition of existing bungalow and erection of one five bedroom detached dwelling at Orford Lea 18 Orchard Avenue Harpenden AL5 2DP For Mr & Mrs Linacre
NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE
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Ref: 5/11/0182 Category: Ward: Harpenden West
Proposal: Demolition of dwelling and erection of two, two storey semi detached dwellings with habitable roofspace (resubmission following withdrawal of 5/2010/2802) at 16 Wordsworth Road Harpenden AL5 4AF For Mr & Mrs Gerard & Sandy Van Der West Huyzen
Mr Stuart Ormston, 18 Wordsworth Road spoke against the application.
THE COMMITTEE RECOMMEND REFUSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
§ THE PROPOSAL IS OUT OF SCALE AND CHARACTER WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF SIZE, BULK AND DENSITY IN THE CONSERVATION AREA. POLICIES 69 (I), 70 (I), 85 (I) B), F) AND G) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
§ CONCERN IS EXPRESSED THAT THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PARKING FOR THE SIZE OF PROPERTIES PROPOSED IN AN ALREADY OVERSUBSCRIBED STREET. POLICIES 40, 42, 70 (IV) AND 85 (I)H) REFER.
§ THERE IS LIMITED SOFT LANDSCAPING TO THE FRONT OF THE PROPERTIES WHICH WILL DETRACT FROM THE STREET SCENE. POLICIES 70 (V) AND 74 (II) REFER.
§ CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE LOSS OF THIS LOCALLY LISTED BUILDING WHICH IS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE. POLICIES 85 (II) AND 86 REFER.
§ THE COMMITTEE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL IMPACT ON THE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES WHEN THE BASEMENTS OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTIES ARE EXCAVATED AS THEY ARE IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY, ESPECIALLY NO. 14 WORDSWORTH ROAD.
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Ref: 5/11/0184 Category: Ward: Harpenden West
Proposal: Conservation Area Consent - Demolition of dwelling (resubmission following withdrawal of 5/2010/2800CA) at 16 Wordsworth Road Harpenden AL5 4AF For Mr & Mrs Gerard & Sandy Van Der West Huyzen
Mr Stuart Ormston, 18 Wordsworth Road spoke against the application.
THE COMMITTEE RECOMMEND REFUSAL FOR THE FOLLOWING REASONS:
§ THE PROPOSAL IS OUT OF SCALE AND CHARACTER WITH ITS SURROUNDINGS IN TERMS OF SIZE, BULK AND DENSITY IN THE CONSERVATION AREA. POLICIES 69 (I), 70 (I), 85 (I) B), F) AND G) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
§ CONCERN IS EXPRESSED THAT THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PARKING FOR THE SIZE OF PROPERTIES PROPOSED IN AN ALREADY OVERSUBSCRIBED STREET. POLICIES 40, 42, 70 (IV) AND 85 (I)H) REFER.
§ THERE IS LIMITED SOFT LANDSCAPING TO THE FRONT OF THE PROPERTIES WHICH WILL DETRACT FROM THE STREET SCENE. POLICIES 70 (V) AND 74 (II) REFER.
§ CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE LOSS OF THIS LOCALLY LISTED BUILDING WHICH IS OF LOCAL IMPORTANCE. POLICIES 85 (II) AND 86 REFER.
§ THE COMMITTEE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE STRUCTURAL IMPACT ON THE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES WHEN THE BASEMENTS OF THE PROPOSED PROPERTIES ARE EXCAVATED AS THEY ARE IN SUCH CLOSE PROXIMITY, ESPECIALLY NO. 14 WORDSWORTH ROAD.
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Ref: 5/11/0113 Category: Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Installation of 2 metre timber fence at 8 Thornbury Harpenden AL5 5SN For Mrs Joanne Tang
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0154CP Category: CP Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Certificate of Lawfulness (proposed) - Single storey rear extension at 34 Porters Hill Harpenden AL5 5HR For Mr & Mrs Neil Redway
NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE
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Ref: 5/11/0219 Category: Ward: Harpenden East
Proposal: Raising of roof and loft conversion with rooflights at 21 Lyndhurst Drive Harpenden AL5 5QW For Mr & Mrs Wood
NO OBJECTION PROVIDED NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. POLICY 72 (v) REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0169 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Garage conversion and alterations to openings at 12 Molescroft Harpenden AL5 3LS For Mr Kiley Dixon
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0237 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: First floor front extension with side dormer windows, front entrance canopy, alterations to openings, timber fence and bin store (resubmission following withdrawal of 5/2010/0848) at 8 Roundwood Gardens Harpenden AL5 3AJ For Mr & Mrs M Verdier
Dr Walker, 12 Roundwood Park spoke against the application.
THE TOWN COUNCIL HAS A DUTY OF CARE TO PROTECT DIFFERING HOUSING NEEDS AND RETURN A GOOD MIX OF DWELLING TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION. THE EROSION OF MODEST FAMILY SIZED HOMES PRECLUDES THE PRESERVATION OF WELL BALANCED MIXED COMMUNITIES AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NO. 8 ROUNDWOOD GARDENS MAY CREATE AN UNACCEPTABLE PRECEDENT WHICH WILL HARM THE DEFINED RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER AND NATURE OF THE STREET SCENE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD.
THE COMMITTEE THEREFORE RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE PROPOSED EXTENSION IS OUT OF SCALE AND CHARACTER WITH THE ORIGINAL DWELLING WITH A CONTRIVED ROOF FORM. POLICIES 69 (i) AND 70 (i) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFER. CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE AFFECT AND LOSS OF AMENITY TO NO.6 ROUNDWOOD GARDENS. POLICY 72 (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
AN AGREEMENT WHEN THE DWELLINGS WERE ORIGINALLY BUILT IS IN PLACE TO ENSURE THEY REMAINED AS CHALET BUNGALOWS TO PROTECT THE PRIVACY OF PROPERTIES IN ROUNDWOOD PARK.
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Ref: 5/11/0250 Category: Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Two storey dwelling with basement and habitable roof space (amendment to planning permission 5/2009/2417) at 38 Tuffnells Way Harpenden AL5 3HQ For Mr William Evans & Dr Hyatt Shams
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0272CP Category: CP Ward: Harpenden North
Proposal: Loft conversion with rear dormer window and insertion of three front rooflights at 39 St James Road Harpenden AL5 4PB For Mr & Mrs Steve & Tess Ball
CERTIFICATE OF LAWFULNESS – NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY COMMITTEE.
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Ref: 5/10/2562 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Single storey front extension, first floor side and rear extension and loft conversion with two rear dormer windows (retrospective amendment to planning permission 5/2009/0676) at 1 Knowle Drive Harpenden AL5 1RW For Mr R Solomon
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0099 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Replacement single storey rear extension at 22 West Common Way Harpenden AL5 2LG For Mr Paul Arnett
NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE DESIGN AND USE OF MATERIALS IN THE CONSERVATION AREA. POLICY 85 (i) (c) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0138 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Loft conversion with raising of roof with two rear dormer windows and insertion of rooflights at 79 Broadstone Road Harpenden AL5 1RE For Mr & Mrs D Hitchen
NO OBJECTION
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Ref: 5/11/0225 Category: Ward: Harpenden South
Proposal: Two storey dwelling with habitable roof space following demolition of existing dwelling at 44 Oakfield Road Harpenden AL5 2NS For DLA Town Planning Ltd
EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE HEIGHT OF THE PROPOSED DWELLING. POLICIES 69 (i) AND (70 (i) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.
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Ref: 5/11/0066 Category: Ward: Harpenden West
Proposal: Construction of one polythene air dome cover over tennis courts 8 and 9 for winter use at Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club Amenbury Lane Harpenden AL5 2EF For Mr Brian Yates
Mr Jonathan Bullock, 41 Amenbury Lane spoke against the application.
Residents directly affected by this application were not included in the consultation correspondence and no signage has been placed on site to advise of this application.
Dawn Brown requested that it be recorded that she has requested that Environmental Health consider this application and make the necessary representations to the Planning Department.
RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE SITE LIES WITHIN THE METROPOLITAN GREEN BELT, WHEREIN THERE IS A PRESUMPTION AGAINST INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT AS SET OUT IN POLICY 1 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IS AT SIGNIFICANT ODDS WITH THE DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FACILITIES AND IS THEREFORE CONSIDERED TO BE FUNDAMENTALLY CONTRARY TO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF GREEN BELT POLICY. THE PROPOSAL WOULD THEREFORE REPRESENT INAPPROPRIATE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE GREEN BELT, AND WOULD BE CONTRARY TO POLICY 1 OF THE DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN. THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT CANNOT BE JUSTIFIED IN TERMS OF THE PURPOSES SPECIFIED AND NO EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES ARE APPARENT IN THIS CASE. THE PROPOSED AIR HALL WOULD BE ANOTHER PROMINENT AND OBTRUSIVE VISUAL FEATURE IN THE SURROUNDINGS, VISIBLE FROM THE METROPOLITAN GREEN BELT, THE HARPENDEN CONSERVATION AREA AND THE SURROUNDING RESIDENTIAL AREA. CONSIDERED CUMULATIVELY WITH EXISTING SIMILAR DEVELOPMENT ON THE SITE, THE PROPOSAL WOULD DETRACT SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THE VISUAL AMENITIES OF THE IMMEDIATE AND WIDER SURROUNDS, AND FROM THE CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE OF THE CONSERVATION AREA. THE APPLICATION WOULD THEREFORE BE CONTRARY TO POLICES 1, 69 AND 85 OF THE ST ALBANS DISTRICT LOCAL PLAN REVIEW 1994.