Agenda item

Internal works to facilitate the provision of an en-suite bathroom to bedroom 2 including refurbishment works.  Re-purposing the loft room as a bedroom with en-suite facilities including replacing the window vent axia in the front dormer window opening with a single pane of glass and provision of a roof vent tile in the rear roof slope.  Replacement glazing to the first floor rear bathroom window with a double-glazed unit. (As amended by plans 30 June 2020 to omit the works involving the removal of the modern ceiling).

Part way through the consideration of this application, members took a vote, before the meeting guillotine of 8:30pm, to continue the item they were on.

Councillor Ken Arlett, a local ward councillor, stepped down from the committee and took no part in the debate or voting for this item.

Councillor Lorraine Hillier declared a non-pecuniary interest in this application. She used to own 11 Gravel Hill but had no social connection with the present owner.

The committee considered application P20/S1660/LB for listed building consent in respect of internal works to facilitate the provision of an en-suite bathroom to bedroom 2 including refurbishment works.  Re-purposing the loft room as a bedroom with en-suite facilities including replacing the window vent axia in the front dormer window opening with a single pane of glass and provision of a roof vent tile in the rear roof slope.  Replacement glazing to the first floor rear bathroom window with a double-glazed unit (as amended by plans 30 June 2020 to omit the works involving the removal of the modern ceiling) at 9 Gravel Hill, Henley-on-Thames.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

The planning officer reiterated the reasons for the call-in of this application by one of the local members, Councillor Ken Arlett, which were detailed in paragraph 1.3 of the report. The committee was advised that the council’s senior conservation officer was attending the meeting to provide advice and guidance.

Councillor Ken Arlett, a representative of Henley Town Council, spoke objecting to the application. He referred to a statement made by Ms. Ruth Gibson, a listed building specialist, which had been sent to all members of the committee by the democratic services officer. Councillor Arlett later spoke in his capacity as a South Oxfordshire District Councillor, also objecting to the application.

Ms. Sue James, resident of 11 Gravel Hill, spoke objecting to the application.

In response to a question from the committee regarding the need for further information about the proposed works, the senior conservation officer reported that the information received was satisfactory; it was reasonable to alter the amenity services in this listed building.  The plans submitted adequately depicted the partitions, and the medieval fabric of the roof structure was already protected through boxing in. The partitions were sufficiently minor to avoid damage to the property.  A detailed Heritage Assessment had led to the council requesting improved ventilation to the roofspace.  There was no objection to rationalising the use of this space to provide new bathroom fixtures at one end of the attic room and to improve the ventilation of this space. 

A motion moved and seconded, to grant listed building consent was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED; to grant listed building consent for application P20/S1660/LB subject to the following conditions:

1.    Commencement of works within three years of consent.

2.    Works to be implemented as shown on approved plans.

3.    Submission of details:

•      Details of the type and method of installation of the proposed mechanical bathroom vents at first and second floor levels to be submitted and agreed in writing prior to commencement

•      Details of the type and method of installation of the proposed acoustic insulation at first and second floor levels to be to be submitted and agreed in writing prior to commencement

•      Details showing the proposed service routes, including fabric along the routes, for the first-floor bathroom to be submitted and agreed in writing prior to commencement