Live -work unit comprising conversion of storage building to residential dwelling and stable building to form boarding kennel business.

The Planning Officer introduced the application with reference to the drawings displayed, she drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  Members heard that the drawings presented for the application inaccurately showed the height of the ridge line which was shown as being approximately 0.6m higher than it actually was, discrepancies between the sections and the elevations with respect to the dormer windows and that an ecology appraisal is now required. 

Members noted a typographical error in section 2.4.1 of the report which should have read ‘application number 93/0392/FUL’.

Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and viewed the sites and had assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting and which included:

·         a petition received in support of the application, submitted by the applicants agent and signed by 17 local residents,

·         a representation from a neighbouring dwelling expressing concern about the height of the proposed dwelling and situations of windows leading to loss of privacy

·         a petition received objecting to the to the proposal signed by 21 people.

Mr I Benson, resident of Claverley, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees and responded to questions from Members of the Committee

Councillor Richard Cotham of Claverley Parish Council Spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15) Councillor Tina Woodward, as local Ward Councillor, made a statement and left the room and took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.  During her statement, the following points were raised:

·         Support for small business venture;

·         Concerns over noise abatement measures;

·         Barn style conversion without garden provision;

·         Residential caravan and domestic play equipment present on site;

·         Design concerns, including poor building design and lack of hedging and soft landscaping; and

·         Lack of sustainable energy provision such as solar panels. 

Miss N Greensill, the applicant spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate Members considered the proposal and noted the comments of all speakers and advice given by the Planning Officer.  Members expressed concern over the impact of the noise created by kennelling 19 dogs in a limited space and considered the steps taken to mitigate the noise levels.  The Planning Officer confirmed that the applicants would require a license to operate commercial dog kennels from the Public Protection department of the Council which would be subject to a noise management plan. 

Members discussed the issue of light within the buildings and suggested additional fenestration to address this issue. 

In response to a Member’s question the Planning Officer confirmed that the report did not contain a condition requiring the removal of the caravan presently located on site. Members suggested that this should be removed shortly after occupancy of the dwelling.

RESOLVED:

That, as per the Officer’s recommendation, planning permission be granted as per the conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, subject to the Area Planning Manager be granted delegated authority to address the timely removal of the domestic caravan situated on site, request amended plans to accurately depict the existing building, to request an appropriate ecology appraisal/assess the implications, and additional fenestration to provide more light to the kennelling area; and to add any required conditions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          .