Issue - meetings

Construct a new dwelling along with new parking area 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dafydd Davies

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To refuse

Reasons

1.    The proposal, due to its size and setting is contrary to the requirements of policies PCYFF 3 and TAI 4 of the LDP. It is considered that the proposal would be contrary to the development pattern due to the lack of curtilage /open area around the house.  It is not considered that the proposal will add to or improve the character and appearance of the site and there would be a loss of an open space between existing dwellings that will damage the appearance and character of the streetscape and the conservation area. 

2.    It is considered that the proposal is contrary to the requirements of policies PS19, PS20, AT 1 and AMG 1 of the LDP as the proposal would not, due to the loss of an open space as well as the size and appearance of the house, safeguard or improve the setting and appearance of the conservation area or the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the important views in and out of the area.

Construction of new house and parking spaces

The application had been deferred at the Planning Committee in July in order to undertake a site visit.

Some of the Members had visited the site on 02/09/22 in order to familiarise themselves with the layout and context of the proposal within the local environment. 

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was a full application to erect a two-storey house on a plot of land near Pen Lôn, in front of dwellings known as Y Ficerdy and Clynnog House, with the Tŷ Isaf and Court Cottages residential dwellings to the rear of the site, within the Clynnog Fawr residential area and development boundary. Here there is also a rear access to Beuno Sant Church, which is also being used by the five existing nearby dwellings. It was noted that the site was located immediately adjacent to Listed Buildings, located within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and within a Conservation Area, and although a number of observations were received in relation to parking and turning spaces, the Transportation Unit did not have an objection.

The application was submitted to the Planning Committee at the request of the local member.

Having considered all relevant matters, including local and national policies and guidance and the observations received, it was highlighted that it could not be recommended to approve the application due to the failure to satisfy the requirements of the LDP's TAI policies, relating to the suitability of the development to comply with the character of the settlement in terms of its size and scale and that there was a need to protect the open plot from over-development in order to safeguard the appearance and character of the local conservation area.   

b)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

Reasons: A person's right to build a house and live in their home area; Clynnog was a parish and not just the Church; the design was acceptable - it was a matter of opinion; The Transportation Unit and AONB did not have any objection.

c)      In response to the proposal and the comment that the Community Council supported a home for a local family, the Assistant Head of Planning and Environment Department noted that the house in question was an open market house and that it would not be possible to restrict who would be able to live there.

ch) During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by Members:

·         That the design was too modern, was inappropriate and stood out in this location.

·         That it would affect the church - unsuitable for its location.

·         The design was a matter of opinion - empty land in the centre of the village.

·         That the land was in the ownership of a local person who wished to return to live in the village.

·         Did policies protect people or buildings? Was priority given to the importance of the church or keeping people local?

·         The design  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7