Agenda item

Proposed 3 bedroom two storey dwelling on the site to the east of Orchard Cottage.

The committee considered planning application P23/S1036/FUL for the proposed 3 bedroom two storey dwelling on the site to the east of Orchard Cottage, on land at Orchard Cottage, Common Lane, Binfield Heath, RG9 4JZ.

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 for the erection of a detached two storey house along Common Lane in Binfield Heath. The new dwelling would be built in the garden area of Orchard Cottage which was fenced off and contained a disused swimming pool. The application was before committee due to the objection of Binfield Heath Parish Council. They had raised concerns around the impact on the character of the area and the possibility that orchard Cottage was a non-designated heritage asset although this was not yet confirmed.

The planning officer informed the committee that the proposed development met the requirements of infill development and the proposed new dwelling was situated on a sizeable, spacious plot whilst still retaining a sizeable plot for Orchard Cottage. The officer confirmed there was no adverse harm to the landscape quality of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), that adequate access and parking provision had been made and that tree officers were satisfied there were sufficient tree protection measures. The Senior Countryside Officer had highlighted that as the site was located in area where the presence of Great Crested Newts was likely there was a need to demonstrate there would be no adverse impact to them. This could be done by joining the District level licensing scheme and this obligation was secured by condition. The planning officer went on to advise that the designation of Orchard Cottage as a non-designated heritage asset had not yet been considered but officers had concluded that there would be no adverse impact even if it were to be designated as such.

Chris Allan (Fineline Architects), the agent representing the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

The committee were of the view that the plot lent itself to what the applicant was obviously trying to achieve and noted that there are a number of other new build properties in the area so this did not take anything away from the area. Committee were pleased to see the level of detail that had gone into the application and felt it was a well thought out proposal.

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

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P23/S1036/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1: Commencement development within 3 years of the date of permission

2: Implemented development in accordance with approved plans

3: Schedule of external materials to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

4: Parking & Manoeuvring Areas as shown on plan to be retained

5: Tree Protection (Detailed) details to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

6: Landscaping Scheme (trees and shrubs only) details to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

7: Surface water drainage works (details required) details to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

8: Foul drainage works (details required) details to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

9: Energy Statement Verification – details demonstrating compliance with Energy Statement to be submitted and approved in writing by the local planning authority

10: Electric Vehicles Charging Point

11: Withdrawal of permitted development rights for extensions and outbuildings

12: District Level Licence condition to be specified by NatureSpace [tbd]

13: District Level Licence condition to be specified by NatureSpace [tbd]

14: District Level Licence condition to be specified by NatureSpace [tbd]