Proposed extensions and conversion of existing studio building to form four residential units and one commercial unit; including demolition of part of boundary wall (amended description).

The Principal Planner introduced the application and confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit the previous day and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  With reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location and elevations.

In accordance with his declaration at Minute No. 69, Councillor David Turner left the room during consideration of this item.

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting, which detailed further objections. 

Ms H Wilkins-Webb, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         The proposal would have a detrimental impact on her property, privacy and light and would change the way she used her existing living space;

·         Would impact further on the access onto King’s Street, which was already congested and had no pavement;

·         The submitted site plan was inaccurate and did not include her studio;

·         There was no provision for garden space or any form of outside open space; and

·         The proposal constituted overdevelopment in a Conservation Area and would be contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan.

Councillor Mrs M Hill, representing Much Wenlock Town Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         The proposal constituted overdevelopment on a small site and would be detrimental to the Conservation Area;

·         There was a need for small residential units but provision must be appropriate and in keeping with the area;

·         King Street was already congested and this proposal would increase traffic movements and exacerbate the problem; and

·         The demolition of part of the stone wall would have a detrimental impact on the Conservation Area.

Mr D Myers, representing the applicant, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         Would create affordable living units to a high standard with parking provision;

·         Would be sustainable and in accordance with the Neighbourhood Plan; and

·         Would not exacerbate surface water and would have a greater impact on the access.

In response to questions from Members, Mr Myers provided clarification on the width of the access and explained that in order to meet the required affordable housing contribution and achieve a financially viable proposition, the application was as proposed. 

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers. 

RESOLVED:

That, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

·         The proposed development, by reason of increased scale through extension and the insertion of the proposed pedestrian access within the existing stone boundary wall would result in overdevelopment of the site and would have an adverse impact on the Conservation Area, neighbour amenity and public safety.  The development would therefore be contrary to Shropshire Core Strategy policies CS6 and CS17, Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan policies H4 and GQD2 and paragraph 17 of the NPPF.