Issue - meetings

Proposed external works including reinstatement and extension to terrace/patio area, construction of a new wall and other various alterations

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Morris Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application subject to the following conditions:

1.         Time

2.         Compliance with plans

3.         Landscaping scheme

4.         Details of finishes/materials

5.         Eradicate invasive plants

6.         Agree/prevent work areas

External works including reinstatement and extension of terrace/patio area, construction of a new wall and other various alterations

The officer drew attention to the late observations form – following a second consultation, further observations had been received from the local member and the Community Council.

a)      The Planning Manager highlighted that this was a full application to undertake external works associated with a residential property. It was explained that the site was located outside the development boundary of Morfa Nefyn and was part of a cluster of other residential buildings that abutted the nearby beach. The site was not within the area of the Llŷn AONB designation, however, it was within the Llŷn and Enlli Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

The application had been submitted to the committee at the local member’s request.

It was explained that the proposal had been amended from its original submission in response to concerns, and the proposal was now as follows: 

·         Creation of a front wall by using gabions filled with stone, which would also contain an internal space to be used for storage 

·         Improve and extend the existing terrace/external area above the wall and include new boundary treatment in the form of a series of wooden posts with a wire between them (this element had been changed from the original submission which included a glazed boundary treatment).

·         Raise the floor level in front of the property and create a low stone wall to highlight the separation between the land that the owners wished to keep private, and the area that ran alongside the sea wall which they were happy for the public to use as a right of way when needed (It was emphasised that this was not a formal public footpath, but a path that had historically been used by the public especially at times of high tide).

It was added that, through the use of conditions to agree materials and finishes, the Planning Authority was of the view that the proposal was not contrary to the design policies or to those policies that protected residential and visual amenities.

Despite concern about the proposal, it was noted that the land that was the subject of the application, was within the curtilage of a residential property where the owner had the right to rectify the existing patio levels and erect fences without the need for planning permission, and where there was no control over the colours and types of materials to be used. It was added that permission was only required for the engineering work and change of levels, but it was important to be mindful of what the applicant could do without permission. It was highlighted that the applicant had also been more than willing to discuss and agree on finishes and had taken note of the concerns that had arisen by revising the application. Nevertheless, as with any planning application, the Members were reminded that the decision had to be reasonable, especially when matters could be agreed through conditions.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9