Agenda item

Extension and alterations to property, plus the conversion of the roof space to a bedroom & bathroom and annex to the rear of the dwelling. 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Elin Walker Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To refuse

Reason:

The proposed development would be tantamount to an over development of a residential domestic property and due to its scale, setting and height it would create an oppressive element that would dominate nearby private property and would harm the amenities of local residents contrary to the requirements of Policies PCYFF 2 and PCYFF 3 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan.

Extension and alterations to a property, together with conversion of the roof space into a bedroom and bathroom and an annexe to the rear of the dwelling.

a)    The Planning Manager highlighted that this was an application to undertake alterations to an existing two-storey house. The work would include:

-       erecting a first-floor extension above the existing single-storey garage at the front of the property

-       erecting a single-storey front extension with a lean-to roof beside the existing garage

-       converting the roof space in the existing dwelling into additional living space, and

-       erecting a two-storey rear extension as an annexe to the main house.

It was explained that the site was within the curtilage of 33 Bryn Eithinog, which was a detached property within the development boundary of the Bangor Sub-regional Centre, as defined by the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan (LDP). The property would be increased from a four-bedroom house to a house with an annexe and a total of six bedrooms. It was reiterated that the proposal was a revised plan to the previously refused plan, when the Committee had considered that the proposal would equate to an over-development of the property and that due to the scale, layout and height of the extensions, it would create an oppressive element that would dominate nearby private properties (planning application C22/0608/11/LL).

The application had been submitted to the Committee at the Local Member’s request.

Reference was made to the main changes to the plans - a reduction in the width of the ground floor of the annexe; removal of dormer windows from the southern aspect and installing roof lights in their place; installing an additional rooflight in the rear (northern) slope of the annexe roof. It was considered that the proposal was acceptable in relation to visual amenities, private amenities and general amenities and it was recommended to approve the application subject to relevant conditions.

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following comments:

·         Although the extension was slightly smaller, the reasons for refusal remained the same

·         The neighbours' concerns remained the same

·         The scale and layout of the proposal was oppressive

·         The change was too insignificant - not enough to appease nearby residents

·         Concern that the annexe would be used as an Airbnb - this was not needed in a residential area

·         That the proposal was on the main access route to Ysgol Friars

·         Increase in traffic

c)    It was proposed and seconded to refuse the application as the scale and size of the proposal was excessive for the site

   ch)    During the ensuing discussion, the following observation by a Member was noted:

·        Concerns that the house was used as a house in multiple occupation although there was no formal evidence of this.

            RESOLVED TO REFUSE

The proposed development would be tantamount to an over development of a residential domestic property and due to its scale, setting and height it would create an oppressive element that would dominate nearby private property and would harm the amenities of local residents contrary to the requirements of Policies PCYFF 2 and PCYFF 3 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan.