Agenda item

Application for the erection of a dormer bungalow, widen existing access and provide parking spaces (re-submission of application refused under ref. C21/1140/15/LL).

 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Kim Jones

 

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve with conditions

 

1. Five years. 

2. In accordance with submitted plans.

3. Removal of permitted rights

4. Slate and materials.

5. Complete the parking before the building is occupied.

6. Land drainage conditions.

7. A Welsh name for the house

Application for the erection of a dormer bungalow, widen existing access and provide parking spaces (re-submission of application refused under ref. C21/1140/15/LL).

 

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

 

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was a full application for the erection of a new two-storey house in the rear garden of a property known as Y Berllan, which was situated in the centre of the village of Llanberis. It was noted that the application was a resubmission of a similar application that was refused in January 2022, and that this latest application had been called in by the Local Member, which noted that the amended proposal, by now, was acceptable based on the flood risk and design.

The Officer noted, although the application would be acceptable based on capacity, and that it would be located within the development boundary, it was considered that there was a need to comply with other relevant policies within the LDP - requirements of Policy PCYFF 1 (development boundaries), as well as the requirements of Policy PCYFF 2 (development criteria).

 

It was considered that erecting a new house measuring 5.9m high, 5m away from the existing dwelling, would create an oppressive structure at the expense of the amenities of the residents of Y Berllan, creating a claustrophobic environment. In addition, locating a new dwelling near the existing dwelling would undermine the amenities of the occupants of Y Berllan on the grounds of noise nuisance deriving from activities associated with modern and current life, as well as the movement of vehicles in and out of the site, which share the same access. In addition, its setting adjacent to Y Berllan, as well as the size of the house would create an incompatible and awkward structure in terms of its character at the expense of visual amenities; therefore, although it was an amended application, it continued to be unacceptable.

 

Having considered all the comments received from local residents, statutory consultees and the response of the applicant to the proposal's previous flood risks concerns, the Local Planning Authority noted that the latest proposal would have a detrimental impact on the residential and general amenities of nearby occupants and on the visual amenities of the streetscape. The officers’ recommendation was to refuse the application.

 

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:

·         This was an application to build a small two-bedroom bungalow for her son and her to live in - it was not to be sold or let as an Airbnb. 

·         She had been born in the village, and her sons and grandchildren also lived in the village - her son and his wife relied on her to take the grandchildren to school every morning before going to work

·         The proposal was to build in the garden of Y Berllan (her parents' home). Y Berllan was being sold with the buyer aware, if successful, that there was planning permission on the rear garden. 

·         That there was plenty of space in the front of Y Berllan, and plenty of space in the rear to park 3-4 cars and a turning space.

·         The proposal was an application for a small bungalow and it was not going to be an "obtrusive structure" as was being expressed by the officers. The scheme was very similar to the existing bungalow.

·         The proposal would not cause noise nuisance as there would only be 1 vehicle and 2 persons living in the house.

·         That the location of Y Berllan was at the bottom of Ffordd Capel Coch - it would not cause more noise or traffic as was insinuated - more noise and traffic was caused by the five Airbnb sites that were already in the street. One cottage in Stryd Ceunant located up the road had obtained an extension on two sides and had been split into two Airbnb sites - this surely created more noise and traffic in the street! 

·         That she had responded to the requirements of the Planning Officer

·         It was impossible to buy a house in Llanberis due to house prices in the area, but it was possible to build a small bungalow - this would be cheaper as her age was against her in terms of obtaining a mortgage.

·         The Community Council nor the neighbours had not objected to the application.  She pleaded to the Committee to approve the application - attention should be given to keeping the Welsh language alive and keep local people in their villages.

 

c)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

·         That neither the Community Council or neighbours had no objection

·         That the applicant wanted to remain in Llanberis

·         That parking would not disrupt others - there was a parking space on the site

·         The design was in-keeping

·         There was one bungalow here - no impact - no noise - Airbnbs were having a greater impact

·         Tall, mature trees on the site - no overlooking

·         There was a new estate in the village and the prices were high

·         The Welsh language was deteriorating in the village - needed to be retained

 

d)    It was proposed and seconded to approve the application contrary to the recommendation, noting that the application complied with Policy CYFF 3 - the design and appearance were acceptable and it would not affect the amenities of nearby residents.

 

e)    During the ensuing discussion, the following observations were made by members:

·         That the site was within the development boundary of the village

·         Needed to keep local people local

 

RESOLVED: To approve with conditions

 

1. Five years. 

2. In accordance with submitted plans.

3. Withdrawal of permitted rights

4. Slate and materials.

5. Complete the parking before the building is occupied.

6. Land drainage conditions.

7. A Welsh name for the house