Agenda item

J Reid introduced the report and stated that the officer’s recommendation was to refuse the application. She stated the main consideration for members was the principle of replacing the dwelling in the Green Belt when it is larger than that the original dwelling. It is considering an inappropriate development within Green Belt land and the applicant must demonstrate special circumstances for planning permission.

Mr Andre Leigh spoke in support of this application. He raised the following points:

·         The new dwelling was granted planning permission in June and the new addition of a small basement is supported by neighbours and Flamsted Parish Council.

·         The use of the new basement will be to provide storage for water tanks and if planning permission was refused then there would be a negative impact on water supply for himself and also his neighbours. 

Having there been no proposer to grant this application in line with the officer’s recommendation, it was proposed by Councillor Birnie and seconded by Councillor Whitman that the officer’s decision be overturned and the application be granted.

Voting:

For: 11    Against: 0      Abstentions: 2

Resolved:

Officer’s recommendation overturned – application GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

4          All trees and hedging shown for retention on approved plan D1354.3 M shall be retained and new planting shown on approved plan D1354.3M shall be planted prior to first occupation of the replacement dwelling. Both the existing trees and hedging and new trees to be planted shall be known as retained trees for the purposes of parts a, b and c of this condition.

(a) No retained tree shall be cut down, uprooted or destroyed, nor shall any  retained tree be topped or lopped other than in accordance with the approved plans and particulars, without the written approval of the local planning authority.  Any topping or lopping approved shall be carried out in accordance with British Standard 3998: 1989  Recommendations for Tree Work.

(b) If any retained tree is removed, uprooted or destroyed or dies, another tree shall be planted at the same place and that tree shall be of such size and species, and shall be planted at such time, as may be specified in writing by the local planning authority.

(c) The erection of fencing for the protection of any retained tree shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved plans and particulars before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought on to the site for the purposes of the development, and shall be maintained until all equipment, machinery and surplus materials have been removed from the site.  Nothing shall be stored or placed in any area fenced in accordance with this condition and the ground levels within those areas shall not be altered, nor shall any excavation be made, without the written consent of the local planning authority.

Reason:  To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development and to safeguard the visual character of the Green Belt and Area of outstanding Natural Beauty in accordance with policies CS5 and CS24 of the adopted Core Strategy and policy 23 and 97 of the local plan.