Agenda item

External alterations to the building to include the following: a replacement entrance porch and door to the Athelstane Mews elevation; 5 replacement windows to the Athelstane Mews elevation; a replacement entrance to the Charteris Road elevation; 1 replacement entrance door with fan and side lights to the Charteris Road elevation; the replacement of 1 ground floor window and 2 first floor windows to the Charteris Road elevation; the replacement of 1 external door to the Charteris Road elevation; 2 existing openings altered and new windows inserted to the Charteris Road elevation; the replacement of 3 rooflights; and associated alterations as part of the general works to the buildings.

(Planning application number: P2017/3807/FUL)

In the discussion the following points were made:

·         The Planning Officer informed Members of a number of amendments and changes to the report-
  -  Although Plan numbers published on the Council website on  27/9/2017
     were correct, incorrect plan numbers in Condition 2 of the report should be
     amended to read EX.301 – Ex.307 and PP.301-PP.307 and the Design and Access Statement should be dated September 2017.

         - Para 10.23 to be deleted as the Juliet balcony is not included in this
           proposal but the withdrawn application B4.
        

·         Members were advised that application was brought to Committee due to
      the number of objections received on two applications, one of which had been
      withdrawn.

·         Members were advised that although prior approval existed for the conversion of
      the existing unit to 4 x self-contained flats, the issue before Committee for
      consideration was for external works and alterations to the existing B8 storage
      use.

·         Concerns such as the proposed change in use, overlooking, noise and
      light pollution to neighbouring properties on the Charteris Road elevations and
      the extra traffic and parking in and around neighbouring roads as a result of the
      scheme.  Neighbouring residents requested that all overlooking windows should
      be obscurely glazed, frosted and sealed. The objectors also queried the
      roof lights, insulation of the roof and a courtyard especially if it was to remain as
      a storage facility.   

·         In response to concerns about the proposed works to existing windows at ground
      floor level that fronted the rear gardens of 52-56 Charteris Road, the meeting
      was advised that the agent had confirmed that these windows did not form part of
      the application and any works undertaken would be for repairs. It was noted that
      those windows are high level.

·         The agent informed Members that the refurbishment of the building would involve
      external alterations to windows openings, doors, a balcony and roof lights.

·         Members agreed that the proposal is policy compliant and that issues raised by
      objectors regarding government policy and applicant’s intention was not a
      material consideration in this instance, although every sympathy with the
      concerns was shared by Members.

Councillor Picknell proposed a motion to grant. This was seconded by Councillor Nicholls and carried.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1 of the officer report plus the amendments within the report and the amendments to conditions outlined above.