Agenda item

Variation of condition 2 (Approved plans) on planning application P21/S4551/FUL, demolition of existing buildings, and construction of five dwellings.

The committee considered planning application P23/S0302/S73for the variation of condition 2 (approved plans) on planning application P21/S4551/FUL, demolition of existing buildings, and construction of five dwellings, on land at Drayton House Farm, Drayton St. Leonard, Oxfordshire, OX10 7BG.

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 introduced the report and highlighted that the application was brought to the committee due to the objection of Drayton St. Leonard Parish Council. Since the report was published, additional responses had been received from the crime prevention designer who had no objections to the application, and three further objections from local residents in respect of increased traffic, the increase in size of the properties putting them out of reach of low and middle income households, and the impact on the sewerage system, as already raised. The application sought to vary the approved plans which would add an additional bedroom to both plots one and two of the approved scheme. Some changes to the elevations were also sought comprising the addition of two roof lights and a door to the rear elevation and minor changes to window location on the side elevation.

The planning officer informed the committee that under a section 73 application the council could not revisit the original consent, but could only consider the original condition and the reasons for applying the condition. She confirmed there was no change to the size of the units and the increase in bedrooms was via internal changes only. Increase in bedrooms could increase parking space and garden area requirements. Oxfordshire County Council parking standards were met by the application and the garden sizes were in excess of the required private amenity spaces. The planning officer confirmed that drainage issues could not be considered as part of this application, but drainage engineers had confirmed that the foul sewage details were acceptable and that the foul water connection was the responsibility of Thames Water.

Paul Southouse, the agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

The committee enquired whether the planning officer had engaged with the parish council over its concerns and the planning officer confirmed that she had not, but that she had been in dialogue with the local ward member. The committee was clear on the motivations of the applicant for the proposed changes and reflected it had been helpful to hear from the agent.

Overall, the committee was satisfied with the officer’s report and, as it could see no material planning reasons for refusal, agreed that the application should be approved subject to conditions.

The committee noted the new layout was preferable and that it was convinced by the motivation behind the sought changes.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote. 

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P23/S0302/S73, subject to the following conditions:

1. Commencement of development linked to original permission

2. Development to be carried out in accordance with approved plans

3. Materials as approved under P22/S4591/DIS

4. Surface water drainage works as approved under P22/S4591/DIS

5. Foul Water Drainage as approved under P22/S4591/DIS

6. Contaminated Land – partially discharged under P22/S4591/DIS

7. No occupation until contamination has been addressed

8. Archaeological written scheme of investigation as approved under P22/S4591/DIS

9. Implementation of Programme or Archaeological Work

10.Improve means of access onto unmade road as shown on plan

11.No obstruction of vision splay

12.Provide parking & Manoeuvring Areas as approved

13.Energy Statement Verification prior to occupation

14.Provide Electric Vehicles Charging Point

15.No Garage conversion into accommodation on plot 2 garage

16.Landscaping implementation

17.Provision of bat and bird boxes