Decision details

66565: Demolition of existing garage and erection of one new dwelling. Land Adjacent To 1 Higher Road, Fremington, Barnstaple, Devon. EX31 3BG.

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Decisions:

Councillor Mackie declared a prejudicial interest in the above application and left the meeting during the consideration thereof.

 

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously – now appended).

 

Mr Chris Marshall (objector), Mr Colin Stott (objector), Mr Ken Davies (objector), Mr Ian Smith (objector), Mr Steven Sherry (agent) addressed the Committee.

 

Councillor Prowse left the meeting.

 

Councillor Biederman (Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

 

In response to a question, the Lead Planning Officer confirmed that there was no longer a standard included within planning policy for the number of car parking spaces provided for a dwelling.  Previously, it was 1 ½ spaces per dwelling.  The provision of two car parking spaces and a turning area had been included in the plan for this application.  There was not sufficient space on the site to provide additional car parking spaces to serve 4 Higher Road.

 

The Highways Officer (PY) advised the Committee that the boundary line on the submitted plan was incorrect as it included and enclosed part of the public highway.  A stopping up order had been served on the Highways Authority which it was anticipated that the Highways Authority would object to.  As the plan had been drawn incorrectly, there was a need for the applicant to demonstrate that two parking spaces could still be provided on the site.   The double garage was originally provided for 4 Church Hill.  The occupiers of 4 Church Hill no longer had any provision for parking.  It was understood that the occupants parked in a layby nearby, however this was not satisfactory and on street parking was being lost.  Visibility was achievable towards the junction, however was restricted in the other direction by the adjoining property and on street parking.  The application was unacceptable in highways terms and would have a severe impact.  It also fell short legally as an incorrect drawing had been submitted. 

 

In response to questions, the Lead Planning Officer advised that there was no formula for the calculation of amenity space for a dwelling.

 

RESOLVED (unanimous) that the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:

 

(a)

The due to the following highways objections the Committee concluded that the highways impact was severe:

 

 

(i)

The proposed development was likely to result in an increase in the volume of traffic entering and leaving the county road through an access that does not provide adequate visibility from and of emerging vehicles, with consequent risk of additional danger to all users of that road and interference with the free flow of traffic;

 

 

(ii)

The proposal would result in the loss of vehicle parking facilities and would, therefore, encourage parking on the highway, with consequent risk of additional danger to all users of the road and interference with the free flow of traffic;

 

 

(iii)

Inadequate information had been submitted to satisfy the Local Planning Authority and the Local Highway Authority that the proposal was acceptable in terms of the proposed parking arrangements.

 

(b)

Lack of amenity space provided;

 

(c)

If the building had to be moved further back on the site would result in over-intensification.

 

Publication date: 20/08/2019

Date of decision: 14/08/2019

Decided at meeting: 14/08/2019 - Planning Committee

Accompanying Documents: