Agenda item

Retention of extensions to existing annexe building and additional replacement barn for domestic uses ancillary to The White House.

The committee considered planning application P22/S4211/HH for the retention of extensions to existing annexe building and additional replacement barn for domestic uses ancillary to The White House, on land at The Annexe, The White House, Bolney Road, Lower Shiplake.  

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 at the discretion of the development manager.

The planning officer informed the committee that the site encompassed land that was in the previous front garden of Poplar Eyot Court which was purchased by the owner of The White House to extend their garden. This area was separated from the remaining plot of Poplar Eyot Court by boundary walling and had pedestrian access.

The application itself sought retrospective permission for the timber barn building and a single storey extension to the annex building, both for ancillary use from the main dwelling. The planning officer emphasised that the application did not seek to vary the use of the barn. The planning officer then noted that the barn largely sat on the footprint of the former manage and stable building. In addition, limited car parking provision was provided that would be used by visitors to the property.

As the planning officer considered that the development would not harm the character of the surrounding area or neighbouring amenity, and as there were no objections from technical consultees, he recommended the application be approved.

Councillor Chris Penrose spoke on behalf of Shiplake Parish Council, objecting to the application. 

Deirdre Wells, the agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the application. 

Councillor Leigh Rawlins, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application. 

The committee had conducted a site visit prior to the discussion of the application.

Members asked about how much Community Infrastructure Levy would be generated if the application were to be approved and the planning officer confirmed that the total amount would by £70,200, 25 per cent of which would go to the parish council.

On a question about potential overdevelopment, and if the development’s impact on the character of the area had been assessed, the planning officer confirmed this was assessed when looking at impact, both on how it would be perceived and how it related to its surroundings. As he believed that it was hidden from view from the river, set back from the road to the west by around 50 metres and covered by trees, and that it conformed with the properties in the surrounding area, he did not believe it was out of character or disproportionate.

The committee then discussed the potential condition four, ensuring the building would be for ancillary use to the residential dwelling, and if this could be expected to be the case given the large square footage of the barn. In response the planning officer clarified that the current proposal was not for change of use and if the applicant did decide to use the building for independent commercial use it would be grounds for enforcement action, and the committee were satisfied with his response.

Overall, the members that attend the site visit mentioned that it provided clearer information about the site and its surroundings, and they believed that there was no additional harm caused by the single storey extension. On the barn, members also agreed that it was not prominent from the road and so not harmful to the character of the area. Overall, as the committee could see no material planning reasons for refusal, they agreed to approve the application subjection to conditions. 

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

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P22/S4211/HH, subject to the following conditions:

1. Development to be carried out in accordance with the approved plans

2. Landscaping scheme to be agreed prior to first use and implemented in the next planting season

3. Biodiversity enhancements to be agreed and implemented

4. Buildings to be used for purposes ancillary to the residential occupation of The White House

5. First floor windows on the south east elevation of the annex building to be obscure glazed