Issue - meetings

Application for the erection of a two storey front and rear extension (amended design to that refused under application C19/1135/11/LL)

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Elin Walker Jones

Link to relevant background documents

To delegate powers to the Assistant Head of the Environment Department to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.         Five years.

2.         In accordance with plans.

3.         Welsh Water.

4.         Slates.

5.         Materials.

6.         Removal of General Permitted Development rights for any new windows/dormer windows.

7.         The garage/car parking spaces must be available for parking motor vehicles at all times.

The Local Member had called in the application to the Committee

a)    The Planning Manager elaborated on the background of the application, explaining that this was an amended application to the one refused under planning application C19/1135/11/LL for the creation of an additional bedroom within the roof space by erecting a dormer window extension. It was proposed to erect an extension above the existing garage on the front of the property, and a one-storey extension to the rear of the property. The site was served by a double entrance off an unclassified nearby county road (Bryn Eithinog) with parking spaces for at least three vehicles within the front curtilage. It was considered that the extensions were acceptable in terms of their scale, setting and design and would not lead to the creation of incompatible structures in this part of the streetscape.   It was reported that there were various other extensions around the site.

It was considered that the proposal complied with the requirements of the criteria under Policy PCYFF3 of the LDP. There would be no additional windows installed in the side of the front extension, and for the rear extension windows would be installed on the ground floor and two first-floor windows would be lost. Because of the distances between the proposed openings and their setting in relation to other residential properties, it was not considered that there would be any unacceptable overlooking or loss of privacy to nearby residents.

It was highlighted as part of the application that the only changes to what had already been approved and which required formal planning permission was the reduction in height of the rear extension. Consequently, the proposal involved the creation of a rear extension which was less bulky and with less height and was therefore an improvement in terms of its visual impact on the steetscape.  Attention was drawn to the space in the roof which would be suitable for a fifth bedroom. An officer emphasised that planning permission was not required to convert the attic into a bedroom.

It was reported that Bangor City Council had expressed concern that the proposal would have an impact on the safety of the public road which led to schools in the area and which was popular with walkers. More cars on / outside the site would place extra pressure on the area's infrastructure.

The Transportion Unit had been consulted as part of the application. They had noted that the proposal would not have a detrimental impact on parking standards or public road safety. The current property conformed to the normal parking requirements for dwellings with four or more bedrooms by providing two parking spaces and a garage. 

Having considered all the relevant planning matters including local and national planning policies and guidance and the associated planning history, the application was deemed acceptable based on principle, design, scale, materials, local building forms, setting, and highway matters and residential amenities, which meant it therefore complied with the requirements of relevant local and national policy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9