Agenda item

Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two semi-detached 3-bedroom dwellings and a detached 3-bedroom dwelling and two-bay car barn with retained access from Harpsden Road (dwellings redesigned to more closely reflect previous planning permission P19/S4261/FUL, as shown on amended plans received 17th February 2023 and revised energy statement received 22nd February 2023).

The committee considered planning application P22/S4374/FUL for the demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two semi-detached 3-bedroom dwellings and a detached 3-bedroom dwelling and two-bay car barn with retained access from Harpsden Road (dwellings redesigned to more closely reflect previous planning permission P19/S4261/FUL, as shown on amended plans received 17th February 2023 and revised energy statement received 22nd February 2023), on land at Bournes Farmhouse, Harpsden Road, Binfield Heath.  

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 Binfield Heath Parish Council.

The planning officer informed the committee that the principle of development in relation to infilling with newbuild dwellings was supported in the settlement and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) by Local Plan policies. In addition, the conservation officer assessed the dwelling and did not find that it was of sufficient merit for listing or for it to be classified as a non-designated heritage asset, and so they believed it would not be reasonable to resist its demolition. 

In addition, the planning officer informed members that he believed the proposed scale, form, and detailing of the dwellings would conform to their surroundings while conserving the character of the area in the AONB. Further to this, the planning officer noted that the application was acceptable in terms of light, access, and neighbouring amenity, and would accord with the council’s policy on market housing mix.

For all the reasons stated, and that the proposed conditions could deal with tree protection, protected species, drainage, energy, and external lighting, the planning officer recommended that the application be approved.

Councillor Sarah Fulton-Urry spoke on behalf of Binfield Heath Parish Council objecting to the application. 

The committee had conducted a site visit prior to the discussion of the application. The members noted that, when they were on the site visit, the houses would be in proportion to the land and that as the existing building had a number of more modern extensions it had lost heritage value. The committee also agreed that they believed the proposed dwellings would be of a similar design to the other dwellings in the area.

Overall, as the committee believed the application was policy compliant, proportionate to the land, sympathetic to the area, and in character with the surrounding dwellings, they could see no material planning reasons for refusal and so agreed the application should be approved subject 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/S4374/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1. Commencement of development within three years

2. Development in accordance with the approved plans

3. No change in levels unless otherwise agreed

4. Schedule of Materials to be agreed

5. Flintwork - traditional construction

6. Obscure glazing to upper floor side facing windows

7. Withdrawal of permitted development for extensions, outbuildings, hardsurfacing and means of enclosure

8. Energy Statement Verification (prior to occupation)

9. Details of Microgeneration System (prior to installation) to be agreed

10. Parking and Manoeuvring Areas Retained in accordance with the approved plans

11. No Garage conversion into accommodation

12. Landscaping (including hardsurfacing and boundary treatment) to be agreed

13. Tree protection to be implemented in accordance with submitted details

14. Ecological Avoidance and Mitigation in accordance with submitted details

15. Great Crested Newt Mitigation to be agreed

16. External Lighting details to be agreed

17. Surface Water Drainage details to be agreed

18. Foul Water Drainage details to be agreed

19. Electric Vehicles Charging Points to be provided