Agenda item

Proposed two storey dwelling and first floor extension to existing dwelling with associated parking and amenity areas (as amended by plans received 22 February 2022 to re-plan the garden area and to include a kitchen window).

The committee considered application P21/S5302/FUL for a two storey dwelling and first floor extension to existing dwelling with associated parking and amenity areas (as amended by plans received 22 February 2022 to re-plan the garden area and to include a kitchen window) at 3 Beckley Close, Woodcote.

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 the meeting.

The planning officer reported that the application complied with the South Oxfordshire Local Plan (SOLP) and the Woodcote Neighbourhood Plan. The application sought planning permission for the erection of a new two-storey dwelling and a first-floor extension to no. 3 Beckley Close. Woodcote Parish Council objected to the proposal on a number of grounds, including lack of off-street parking space, unneighbourly development, dominance over neighbours, design out of character, and no regard for renewable energy technologies. The planning officer reported that the car parking arrangements were in conflict with the Woodcote Neighbourhood Plan but did not have an impact on highways safety and had received the approval of the highways authority, Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). Tree protection measures, landscaping and carbon reduction arrangements had received the approval of technical officers. The application had recently had changes made to it in respect of the building façade and energy performance.

In response to a question from the committee regarding the layout of the proposal and whether a garage would be blocked as a result, the planning officer stated that there was no intention in the application to restrict any access or use. The committee asked the planning officer why a single off street parking space was not provided for each bedroom. The planning officer advised that Woodcote Parish Council had objected to the application on the grounds that the new house would not provide enough parking, as it considered that the sitting room upstairs could be used as a second bedroom.  Officers had reconsulted OCC on the basis that the development could be used as a two-bedroom dwelling, and OCC maintained its support of the proposed development.  OCC had stated that any displaced vehicles would not result in any significant risk to highway safety and whilst the site would egress onto Grimmer Way, it was considered that vehicle speeds and traffic volumes were relatively low and thus were not considered to present any threat to the safety of the highway network.

The planning officer referred to one of Woodcote Parish Council’s objections that the proposal did not conform with the South Oxfordshire Design Guide’s standards regarding minimum distances between habitable rooms; the window to the rear of the property would be in respect of a staircase. Proposed condition 7 would control consents for windows, doors or other openings along rear of property.

Councillor Helen Booker, a representative of Woodcote Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application.

A motion moved and seconded, to refuse planning permission failed on being put to the vote.

The committee considered that the proposed development would be acceptable in principle and, subject to conditions, would not be harmful to the character and appearance of the area or the amenity of neighbours and would ensure the protection and enhancement of landscape value within the site.

A motion moved and seconded, to grant planning permission was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P21/S5302/FUL subject to the following conditions:

1.          Development hereby approved to commence within three years of date of permission.

2.          Development hereby approved in accordance with approved plans

3.          Development to be implemented in accordance with materials shown on plan and outlined within application form.

4.          The approved parking & manoeuvring areas should be retained for parking of car.

5.          Landscaping Scheme (trees and shrubs only) to be submitted for approval.

6.          Tree Protection (General) details to be submitted for approval.

7.          No windows, doors or other openings along rear of property unless consent given.

8.          Electric Vehicle Charging Points to be installed for new dwelling (details required).

9.          All carbon reduction energy efficiency measures to be implemented in accordance with Energy Statement and a verification report submitted for approval.