Decision details

Cllr Andrew McCloy did not return to the meeting following lunch.

In accordance with the Authority’s Standing Orders, the meeting voted to continue its business beyond 3 hours.

Members had visited the site on a previous occasion in 2017.

The Planning Officer introduced the item.  The site had permission for nine residents following the previous approval to convert the building to a care home in 2017. The officer recommendation for refusing the application was explained to be the increased scale (80% in the floor space of the original building) form and design which would harm the character and appearance of The Lodge, its setting and the wider landscape contrary to the Development Plan Policies, adopted design guidance and the National Planning Policy Framework.

The following spoke under the Public Participation at Meetings Scheme:

·         Mr Ciro Cancello, on behalf of the Applicants, Supporter

Members considered that it was difficult to apply principles to this application because of the unique type of business. 

Members discussed the requirement for the additional space in the rooms of the extension, it was clarified by the applicant that some residents needed more space than one room or needed larger rooms.  The larger the space the better residents needs are met.  With the extension, the capacity of the buildings would  be 13 but the applicant stated that it is likely there will only be 10 residents.

Members raised concerns regarding the height of the glass conservatory that joined the old and new buildings and also the use of UPVC for this construction. 

Members considered that the item needed further consideration by officers to include introduction of conditions and re assessment of the design of the conservatory including the proposed height and the use of UPVC.

A motion to defer the application for further discussion was moved and seconded.

Following further discussion the motion to defer the item was withdrawn.

A motion to approve the item contrary to officer recommendation was proposed with further discussion to take place between the officers and the applicant and that the final decision being made under delegated powers by officers.

Members were pleased to see part of the site for horticulture and requested that the whole site be included in the landscaping scheme.

The planning officer confirmed that the application would return for consideration by committee if concerns remained regarding the development.

RESOLVED:

To delegate the decision to the Director of Conservation and Planning in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Planning Committee and following discussion with the applicant.

Cllr Andrew McCloy returned to the meeting at 1.20pm but did not take part in the discussion of this item.

Cllr Mrs Lesley Roberts left the meeting at 1.30pm.