Agenda item

Ward: Southwater

Applicant: Mr D Kitson

The Head of Development reported that this application sought permission for a two storey side extension.  The extension would cause the loss of a side garage, and the proposal included a new brick garage in the rear garden which would replace a timber outhouse/garage.  The application was a resubmission of permission DC/15/1934, which was due to expire on 12 October 2018. 

The application site was located within the built-up area of Southwater, east of Abbots Leigh and north of Turners Close.  There was a mix of detached and semi-detached houses in the vicinity. A ten metre wide buffer zone separated the site from Turners Close.

Details of relevant government and council policies and relevant planning history, as contained within the report, were noted by the Committee.  

Since publication of the report the Parish Council had confirmed their objection to the application on account of the loss of amenity and parking space. The Parish Council also requested that Permitted Development Rights (PDR) be removed and a condition added to ensure the extension could not be converted into a separate dwelling.  Members were advised that the removal of PDR would not be considered appropriate in this instance given that the proposal is for household extensions.  Such a condition would normally be appropriate for new build.  However, it was accepted that the addition of a non-severance condition would be appropriate and help allay the Members’ concerns regarding the use of the extension and garage.  Fifteen objections had been received. A representative of the Parish Council spoke in objection to the application.

Members considered the officer’s planning assessment which indicated that the key issues for consideration in determining the proposal were the principle of development, and the amenities and sensitivities of neighbouring properties.  Members noted that the formation of a separate dwelling would require planning permission.  Members sought assurance that the garage would be retained solely for private ancillary use as a garage.

Concerns regarding encroachment into the landscape buffer were discussed and it was agreed that an Informative would be added to advise the applicant of the buffer strip to the rear of the garden and the contents of the relevant legal agreement.

RESOLVED

That planning application DC/18/1486 be granted subject to the conditions as reported, and the following additional conditions:

01     The accommodation hereby permitted shall be occupied solely for purposes ancillary to the occupation and enjoyment of 20 Abbots Leigh as a dwelling and shall not be used as a separate unit of accommodation.

Reason:  The establishment of an additional independent unit of accommodation would give rise to an over-intensive use of the site and lead to an unsatisfactory relationship between independent units of living accommodation contrary to Policies 26 and 33 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015).

02     The garage hereby permitted shall be used only as a private domestic garage for the parking of vehicles or as ancillary accommodation incidental to the use of the 20 Abbots Leigh and for no other purposes.

Reason:  To ensure adequate off-street provision of parking in the interests of amenity and highway safety and prevent an over intensive use of the use in accordance with Policies 26, 33 and 40 of the Horsham District Planning Framework (2015).