Agenda item

Revised application - construction of outdoor pool, pool plant room and summer kitchen structure including pizza oven and bbq with mechanical extract, terraces, landscaping and boundary fence.

LOCAL MEMBER:    Councillor R H Wyn Williams

Link to relevant background documents

Amended application - construct an outdoor swimming pool, swimming pool plant room together with a summer kitchen structure to include a pizza oven and barbecue with mechanical extractor, terraces, landscaping and boundary fence. 

(a)  The Development Control Manager expanded on the application's background and noted that a previous application had been refused and the amended application was to construct an outdoor swimming pool, swimming pool plant room together with a summer kitchen structure to include a pizza oven and barbecue and landscaping work at the rear of the garden.  It was noted that the site was on a corner plot with nearby dwelling houses and was within the development boundary of Abersoch.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form that stated that an amended plan had been received that indicated highway improvements to the Lôn Engan bend that had not been submitted originally with the application, in an attempt to improve road visibility for all road users and not only for this property. It was noted that the responses to the consultation were shown in the report and specific attention was drawn to the objections received.

It was noted that the garden was fairly extensive and it was considered that the size of the structure proposed was acceptable in terms of the size of the entire curtilage.   Likewise, it was confirmed that the size of the swimming pool was acceptable.   It was not considered that the proposal would cause any impact on the AONB as the developments would be sunken into the landscape.

The previous application had been refused due to concerns regarding the amenities of nearby houses, however, the amended application was considered an improvement and the concerns had been overcome.  Concerns had been received from neighbours regarding the location of the terrace, the swimming pool and the structure that were so close to them, however, as these were located along the boundary it would be difficult to refuse on the grounds of nearby residential amenities and reference was made to the full details in paragraphs 5.6 to 5.8 of the report.    

It was considered that the objections had received full consideration and the concerns had been overcome and the application was in compliance with the relevant policies together with an additional condition by the Highways Department to ensure improved visibility.

(b)   The Local Member (not a member of this Planning Committee) noted the following main points:

·         Following the receipt of the amended plan and the alterations to improve visibility and safety on the bend that some of the concerns had been overcome and it was trusted that this improvement would be undertaken soon 

·         It was asked if it was possible to ensure that the boundary fence was strong and in addition that a condition be imposed to restrict the use of music until 11.00p.m. to ensure the amenities of the nearest neighbours

(c)    In response, the Development Control Manager explained that it was not possible to impose such conditions regarding the use of music as individuals had the right to use a garden to socialise.  It was stressed that the house was not huge and if there was any concern regarding nuisance then it would be possible to deal with the concern at that time.   

            Resolved:       To approve in accordance with the following conditions:

1.         5 years

2.         In accordance with the plans

3.         Slate

4.         Finish to match the existing house.

5.         Landscaping in the next planting season

6.         Highways improvement work to be completed prior to the commencement of any further work which is subject to this permission

7.         Any relevant Highways conditions based on the amended plan

8.         Agree on the type of fence, timetable for erection and maintenance