Agenda item

Part garage conversion. Single story front extension. Single story rear extension. Formation of new roof to include habitable rooms. Accommodation divided to form an annex. (as amended by plans received 3 September omitting side door to garage and changing proposed rear garage window to a high level window).

The committee considered planning application P23/S2534/HH for the part garage conversion. Single story front extension. Single story rear extension. Formation of new roof to include habitable rooms. Accommodation divided to form an annex (as amended by plans received 3 September omitting side door to garage and changing proposed rear garage window to a high level window), on land at 4 Sycamore Drive, Thame.  

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 called into the committee by a local ward member, councillor Pieter-Paul Barker.

The planning officer informed the committee that the site was in a residential area, on a corner plot, and not within any area of special designation.

The proposal included a single storey front and rear extension, an increase of the roof height to accommodate habitable rooms, the removal of gables in the roof, the conversion of half the garage into living accommodation, the removal of the pitched roof with a flat roof over the garage, and new render and timber cladding.

The planning officer considered that the proposed roof was acceptable and that the materials used would be proportionate and in character with the surrounding area. In addition, she noted that the windows had been placed in order to avoid overlooking. Finally, she noted that there was sufficient amenity space provided. 

Overall, for these reasons, and as there were no objections from technical consultees, the planning officer recommended that the application be approved.

Graeme Markland spoke on behalf of Thame Town Council, objecting to the application. 

Mr and Mrs Singleton, the applicants, spoke in support of the application. 

The committee asked about the flat roof on a garage and if this were normally permitted. In response, the planning officer informed members that, as it was small and set back, it would not be harmful to the amenity of the area and would in fact reduce the impact to the neighbour. Members also asked about the residential use of the garage and if it might impact the neighbour, but she clarified that the subdivision was not considered harmful as the garage was still the closest section to the neighbours.

On a further question about the garage and some concern about the high window, the planning officer noted that high level first floor windows were allowed under permitted development, and so from an overlooking perspective they would be considered acceptable. She also reiterated that the part closest to the neighbour would be retained for the garage and not residential use.

Members noted the design of the properties in the area, but they did not believe that the application would be out of character or detrimental.

Overall, the committee noted that the application would be in keeping with the surrounding area and would not be unneighbourly. As they could see no material planning reasons for refusal, they agreed that 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 P23/S2534/HH, subject to the following conditions:

1. Commencement within three years

2. Development in accordance with the approved plans

3. External materials for walls and roof to be as on plan

4. Parking & manoeuvring areas to be retained

5. No additional windows or doors in the south west elevation

Informatives:

·       Bats Informative

·       Wild Bird Informative

·       Thame Town Council neighbourhood plan policies