Agenda item

Full renovation of the existing house, proposed new garage, proposed photovoltaic array, landscaping and flood mitigation measures in addtion to demolition of exsisting outbuilding.  

 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Ioan Thomas

 

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve with conditions

 

1.         Five years to commence the work.

2.         In accordance with plans.

3.         Slates to match.

4.         Opaque glass to be installed along the side of the balcony that borders with number 6 Marine Terrace

5.         In accordance with the ecology report 

6.         Welsh Water condition

 

Information Note: Welsh Water/Natural Resources Wales and Biodiversity

 

Full renovation of existing house, proposed new garage, proposed photovoltaic system, landscaping and flood alleviation measures as well as demolition of existing outbuilding.

 

Attention was drawn to the late observations form which noted: a) that the proposal did not reach the thresholds to submit a Welsh Language Statement or a Welsh Language Impact Assessment; b) that it was intended to impose a planning condition to ensure that the proposed garage was only used as ancillary to the main property.

 

a)     The Planning Manager highlighted that this was an application for alterations and modifications to a property by extending the eaves of a section of the existing roof, extending the existing balcony at the rear of the property, adding slate diamond pattern finish on the side of the property and providing two open porches; demolition of existing outbuilding and erecting a double garage, installation of four lines of solar panels, landscaping work and installing floodgates along the boundary of the property with the Menai Straits. ⁠ It was added that the site was located outside the development boundary of the town and within the boundary of flood zone C2/Zone 2 and 3 of the flood maps.

 

It was noted that the application had been submitted to the Planning Committee due to a family connection with one of the planning officers.

 

It was considered that the modifications and alterations to the property were minimal, and suitable in terms of size, design and layout. It was added that the proposal to extend the existing balcony at the rear of the  property would lead to it being closer to the property next door. Although other houses in the terrace with balconies offered an element of overlooking into the rear gardens of the houses, the appropriateness of imposing a condition was considered to ensure that a privacy screen was installed on the side of the balcony that faced the property next door to alleviate the direct impact of the balcony extension.

 

It was noted that the proposal involved converting an existing garage that was ancillary to the property into a kitchen and dining room, but it was not proposed to increase the number of bedrooms. It was added that it was intended to demolish the existing outbuilding and erect a double garage in its place near the access to the property - the garage of usual design for a garage and the proposal was acceptable.

 

In terms of the landscaping work, the footpaths and vehicular road and the flood prevention measures, it was considered that these elements were acceptable. NRW nor the Transportation Unit had no objection to the proposal, and the Biodiversity Unit was satisfied with the ecological report provided, along with the biodiversity improvements proposed in the form of bird and bat boxes. Confirmation was also received that the proposal would not have an impact on the nearby Special Area of Conservation.

 

It was considered that the proposal was acceptable, subject to the inclusion of a condition to ensure ancillary use for the proposed garage. It would not have a significant visual impact on the landscape, the amenities of nearby residents, road safety, biodiversity or the Welsh language.  The Local Planning Authority recommended approving the application.

 

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

·      That the application had been submitted to the Planning Committee due to a family connection with a staff member.

·      There were a few modifications and alterations here.

·      Two additional photographs of the property site on the banks of the Menai Straits had been submitted highlighting that flooding would occur under extraordinary circumstances of high tide and strong winds.

·      ⁠There were 7 houses in the terrace and 5 of them had a balcony.

·      Imposing a condition for opaque glass would be reasonable.

·      Recommend approving

 

c)      It was proposed and seconded to approve the application

 

An observation was made that it would be possible for the new double garage adjacent to the property to be converted into another dwelling - not enough enforcement officers in the Council to check future modifications.

 

RESOLVED To approve with conditions

 

1. Five years to commence the work.

2. In accordance with plans.

3. Slates to match.

4. Opaque glass to be installed along the side of the balcony that borders with number 6 Marine Terrace

5.  In accordance with the ecology report 

6. Welsh Water condition

 

Information note: Welsh Water/Natural Resources Wales and Biodiversity