Agenda item

Erection of bungalow with associated car parking, refuse/recycling provision, cycle and electric wheelchair storage and amenity space.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the erection of a single bungalow and highlighted the following key considerations:

• The site was within the Stroud Uplands settlement limits and located on a dense housing estate predominately characterised by 2 storey properties.
• The proposed bungalow was approximately 7m forward from the building line.
• The site characteristics consisted of houses fronting the highway with long linear gardens to the rear. The application would breach Local Plan Policy HC1 due to not following the pattern of development.
• The site was very constrained and the proposed footprint was very large for the site.
• The proposal had minimal useable garden space of approximately 4m² contrasted Local Plan Policy HC1.
• The new two storey dwelling next to the site was within the proximity to be overlooking the amenity space which was again in contradiction to the Local Plan Policy HC1. 

Councillor Baker spoke as a Ward Member for Stroud Uplands and asked the Committee to approve the application for the following reasons:

• The development would improve the outlook for residents in the area.
• The site was partitioned of and sold by SDC with potential for development and there was community support for the land to be developed.
• There was a shortage of accommodation suitable for disabled people which this application would be perfect for due to the minimal amenity area.
• There were a cluster of bungalows nearby which meant that the bungalow would not be out of place.
• The building line was jagged at present and they did not feel that it would be incompatible with the wider site.
• The proposed development would have minimal impact on nearby homes as it was a single storey bungalow.

Councillor Patrick raised concerns with access an egress of the property to which the GCC Highways, Principal Highways Development Management Officer explained that was only a requirement on classified roads which this site was not on.

The Principal Planning Officer advised that there were four refusal reasons in total which could be found on page 65 of the reports pack.

The Head of Development Management advised the Committee to look at the application on its planning merits and not consider the state of the site. They further advised the Committee that if the application was approved, they would be looking to collect the payment for the Special Area of Conservation and a delegated approval would be advised should the Committee be minded to approve the application.

The Principal Planning Officer gave the following response to Councillors:

• There were no further letters of support or objection received.
• The Ward Councillor was in support of the application.
• Had the pre-application been submitted the applicant would have been advised that a residential dwelling would not be appropriate on the site. However, each application was dealt with on its own merits.
• The physical appearance of the bungalow was considered as a good design however it was felt that it did not fit the space and would be overlooked.

Councillor Schoemaker proposed to permit the application subject to delegated approval in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair. Councillor Fenton seconded.

Councillor Schoemaker debated the need for this type of development and the use of the proposed bungalow for a potentially vulnerable resident.

Councillor Ryder raised concerns with the plot being sold as having development potential. They also shared the desire to support the application for potential future use for a disabled or vulnerable resident.

Councillor Patrick shared support for this application due to the need for single person accommodation in the district.

Councillors Miles, Gray, Prenter and Green gave their support for approval due to the need for these types of properties and the overall community support despite the size of the plot.

Councillor Ryder stated that it was not common for bungalows to be built anymore.

After being put to a vote, the Motion was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED To give delegated authority to the Head of Development Management in consultation with the Chair and Vie-Chair to permit the application with the condition to secure the sac payments.