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V25-955 : Minutes

on Wednesday, 1 October 1997 at 7.30pm.

Members present:
M. Ayers, R. Bellham, B. Blowers, S. Bostock, M. Cherry, T. Chipperfield, W. Devereux (Chairman), R. Ford, K. Francis, G. Gouldby, D. Gower, P. Hart, J. Hinton, N. Keable, T. Kelly, E. Leverett, C. Robertson, D. Rouse, J. Spoor, G. Stewart, R. Thorne, I. Turrell, J. van Pelt and R. Winterton

Officers present:
M. Berridge, A. Shooter (CE), L. Monkhouse, A. Norton, M. Dixon (DPBC)

956 MINUTES

The minutes of the last meeting held on 3 September 1997 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

957 33 ELMDALE DRIVE, LOWESTOFT - UNTIDY GARDEN LAND

A number of complaints had been received concerning the overgrown, untidy state of the front garden to 33 Elmdale Drive, Lowestoft. It was clear from visits to the property that the garden had remained in an unkempt state for a considerable period of time.

The owners of the property suffered from severe disability and were unable to undertake the necessary work themselves. A number of agencies had been contacted, including social services, in an attempt to obtain assistance the owners. On contacting them directly social services were informed that help was not required as the state of the garden was the result of a neighbour dispute and the owners did not require the work to be undertaken at present.

It was considered that further attempts should be made to persuade the owners to accept the help of social services and have the matter resolved. Should they persist with refusal of assistance then enforcement action would become necessary.

RESOLVED

That the owners of 33 Elmdale Drive be encouraged to seek assistance in improving the state of their garden, and if necessary the Chief Executive be authorised to serve an Untidy Land Notice under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1991.

958 THE COTTAGE, PRINCES WALK, LOWESTOFT - UNAUTHORISED FENCING

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that a fence ranging in height from approximately 1.6 metres to 2.6 metres had been erected adjacent to the highway in the front garden of The Cottage, Princes Walk, Lowestoft. Any fence or other means of enclosure adjacent to the highway that exceeded one metre in height required planning permission.

The occupier had been invited to either apply for planning permission, reduce the height to one metre or relocate the fence two metres away from the highway. There had been no response to this invitation. The height of the fence in its current position was considered to be unduly prominent and unsightly in the street scene which was otherwise characterised by mature hedges and shrubs and low level walls and fences.

RESOLVED

That the Chief Executive be authorised to take all pursuant action against the erection of the unauthorised fence at The Cottage, Princes Walk, Lowestoft.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS

959 W3250/35 - LAND ADJACENT TO A12/A1117 ROUNDABOUT, LOWESTOFT

Construction of restaurant with drive-thru facility and associated landscaping and parking.

W3250/36 - LAND ADJACENT TO A12/A1117 ROUNDABOUT, LOWESTOFT

Construction of restaurant with drive-thru facility and associated landscaping and parking.

The above two items were considered together as they related to the same application site. The items had been deferred at the last meeting for further negotiations with the applicant.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that the revised plans meant that the frontage tree belts were retained and that internal traffic could be safely and efficiently circulated. Further measures to reduce any possible use of Arbor Lane east of the site had also been agreed with the applicants, who had also agreed to assist financially with any future closure of Arbor Lane should this become necessary. The recommendation of the Director of Planning and Building Control was now for approval, subject to no vegetation removal, landfill gas to be at safe levels before work starts and all signage to be approved beforehand.

The Sub-Committee were generally unhappy with the proposal for a number of reasons. Firstly, they felt that this was not the right location for the restaurant, being in a prominent position in one of the main entrances to the Town, and would detract from the residential amenity of the area. There was also an industrial site nearby which could accommodate the restaurant. Members also felt that trade would be taken away from the Town Centre as families would be more likely to take the easy option of parking and eating in the out of town restaurant rather than trying to find parking in the town. There was also concern that people buying food from the restaurant might take it to the clifftop to eat, thus increasing use of Arbor Lane.

The Chief Executive advised the Sub-Committee that there were insufficient planning grounds to refuse the application and an appeal by the applicant would be likely to succeed. The Chief Executive also advised that, if the application was refused, the names of those Councillors voting against refusal would be kept on file for their future protection.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to applications W3250/35 and W3250/36, for the following reasons:

(i) this was not the right location for the restaurant, being in a prominent position in one of the main entrances to the town, and would detract from the residential amenity of the area

(ii) there was an industrial site nearby which could accommodate the restaurant

(iii) there was a danger of trade being taken away from the town centre

(iv) customers accessing the clifftop to consume food could increase use of Arbor Lane

960 W11123/27 - LAND AT BLOODMOOR HILL, CARLTON COLVILLE/GISLEHAM

Outline application for residential development.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that an outline planning application had been received for residential development and associated works, one retail/commercial unit, open space, parkland and community centre on land to the south of Bloodmoor Estate, Carlton Colville. Five site notices had been displayed and an advertisement placed in the Lowestoft Journal concerning the proposed development and 16 letters of objection and one petition had been received.

The application covered the Lowestoft and Rural Planning Sub-Committee boundaries, and therefore required the approval of both Sub-Committees. The proposals broadly accorded with the spirit of the Development Brief, and it was therefore the recommendation of the Director of Planning and Building Control that both Sub-Committees approve the development subject to appropriate conditions and the successful completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W11123/27 subject to appropriate conditions including, inter alia:

(a) an archaeological survey;
(b) completion of a distributor road to base course level between Airedale and Deepdale for use of construction traffic in a clockwise direction entering through Airedale and leaving via Deepdale; (c) hours of use of distributor road to be 7.30 am - 6.00 pm Monday - Friday, 8.00 am - 4.00 pm Saturday and no works to take place on Sundays or Bank Holidays; (d) barriers to be erected across both ends of the distributor road at Airedale and Deepdale when not in use; (e) upgrading of the distributor road for public use on completion of 103 dwellings; and (f) the satisfactory completion of a Section 106 Agreement covering the following:

(i) off site highways requirements, as required by Suffolk County Council (ii) a parkland area
(iii) open space and play equipment
(iv) contributions towards a Community Centre
(v) social housing
(vi) phased financial contributions towards existing and new schools, if properly justified by the County Education Officer.

961 W12729/10 - 23 CLEVELAND ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for continuation of existing unauthorised use as five self contained flats.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that in 1990 planning permission was granted for conversion to three self contained flats, but the property had recently been converted to five flats from a Housing in Multiple Occupation use. Although this was a marginal improvement, the flats were sub-standard and the increase in number was contrary to Policy H14. The applicant had requested a site meeting, but the recommendation of the Director was for refusal and enforcement.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W12729/10, and that in the event of non- compliance the Chief Executive be authorised to take all pursuant action.

962 W12729/9 - 25 CLEVELAND ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for continuation of existing unauthorised use as three self contained flats.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this property had permission for a ground floor flat and maisonette on upper floors but an inspection in July had established that there were in fact three units. The conversion was of a high quality, with access to front and rear and the possibility of two car parking spaces. It was, however, strictly contrary to Policy H14, but the standard of accommodation could justify approval.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W12729/9, and that, in the event of non- compliance the Chief Executive be authorised to take all pursuant action.

963 W14697/2 - 15 GROSVENOR ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for continuation of existing authorised use as four self contained flats.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this building had been approved for a ground floor flat and first and second floor maisonette. For a short while the upper floors were in an unauthorised Housing in Multiple Occupation use, and the applicant had converted these to reasonable self contained flats. Nevertheless, Policy H14 clearly stated that no increase in flat numbers should be allowed in this area. The applicant had requested a site meeting, and this was the recommendation of the Director.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W14697/2, and that in the event of non- compliance the Chief Executive be authorised to take all pursuant action.

964 W14219/4 - LAND BETWEEN OULTON ROAD AND JUNCTION OF SOMERLEYTON ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application to construct a single carriageway highway forming part of the Northern Spine Road.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that consultations were not yet completed on the above application. A public exhibition was to be held on 17 and 18 October 1997 and members were advised that they would be invited to attend.

RESOLVED

That the report of the Director of Planning and Building Control concerning application W14219/4 be received.

965 W16900 - 297 WHAPLOAD ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for conversion of dwelling into one flat and one maisonette.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this proposal was for sub-division of a larger house than others in the vicinity, and internal standards for the two small units were acceptable. The site layout was poor, however, with no direct access from the proposed maisonette to the shared garden and parking. His recommendation was for approval.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W16900.

966 W16901 - 26 WANNOCK CLOSE, CARLTON COLVILLE

Application for single and two storey extensions.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this application was for a two storey rear extension, which was acceptable, and a single storey front bay and porch which would be prominent from the neighbour's lounge window. The neighbour had raised strong objection to a feeling of greater enclosure, however, refusal would be hard to justify and his recommendation was therefore for approval.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W16901.
967 W14593/5 - PLOTS 1 AND 2 YORK ROAD/NORWICH ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for construction of a pair of semi detached houses.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this was a very restricted site which did not give full garden standards for the proposed houses. The Sub-Committee had recently approved a very similar scheme nearby in Norwich Road, but on this site the neighbouring properties were smaller and the development would appear out of scale. He recommended refusal as submitted, with a suggestion that a slightly smaller design could be acceptable.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W14593/5.

(Councillor Hart declared an interest in the above item, and left the room during the debate).

968 W6958/1 - SEAVIEW, ARBOR LANE, LOWESTOFT

Outline application to construct one dwelling.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this plot was within a holiday area characterised by permanent and mobile holiday homes. Although the plot was ample, conversion to a permanent house would be a precedent affecting the character of the entire area. His recommendation was for refusal.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W6958/1.

969 W6629/5 - LAND ADJACENT TO 51 ST LEONARDS ROAD, LOWESTOFT

Application for construction of three houses.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this was a potentially attractive use of a sub-standard corner plot, however parking and garden sizes were inadequate. He recommended refusal, as submitted, but considered that a revised proposal with two units could be acceptable.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be refused to application W6629/5.

970 W16924 - 55 NORMANSTON DRIVE, LOWESTOFT

Application to construct garage and front porch.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this was a very substantial side garage extending close to the neighbour's boundary. A garage in this position was acceptable, but design should be amended to reduce impact on the neighbour and dominant appearance in the street scene.

Negotiations had taken place with the applicant seeking a hipped roof which had resulted in an alteration to the roof shape.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to an amended application W16924.

971 W16911 - 2 SKAMACRE CRESCENT, LOWESTOFT

Application to extend and convert garage to office and darkroom.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this proposal was acceptable strictly on the basis set out in the applicant's letter, that the studio would be used only by the applicant and that neither employees nor customers would use the site. Any business with a higher profile would be entirely inappropriate in this residential area. The recommendation of the Director of Planning and Building Control was for approval for a period of 5 years personal to the applicant.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W16911 for a period of 5 years, personal to the applicant, and subject to the studio being used only by the applicant with neither employees nor customers using the site.

972 W8686/19 - OLD LOTHINGLAND HOSPITAL SITE, UNION LANE, OULTON

Outline application for four general needs dwelling plots and one plot for occupation associated with proposed nursing home.

W8686/20 - OLD LOTHINGLAND HOSPITAL SITE, UNION LANE, OULTON

Outline application for erection of a two storey residential care/nursing home and twelve single storey close support units.

The above items were considered together as they referred to the same site. The Director of Planning and Building Control advised that discussions were ongoing with the applicants, and a detailed report would be brought to the next meeting at the Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED

That a detailed report concerning applications W8686/19 and W8686/20 be considered at the next meeting of the Sub-Committee.

973 W7203/1 - 1 CHEVIOT ROAD, OULTON

Application for two storey side extension.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this proposed two storey extension towards Sands Lane was unlikely to have undue impact on the street scene. However, the appearance of the proposal could be enhanced by improving the end gable to comprise either patterned brickwork to the top storey or planting of fast growing climbers at the base. He recommended approval.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W7203/1, subject to improvements to the end gable.

(Councillor Keable declared an interest in the above item, and left the room during the debate).

974 W16499/2 41 HERONS CLOSE, LOWESTOFT

Application for construction of garden wall and provision of additional parking space.

The Director of Planning and Building Control recommended approval to the above application, subject to setting back the proposed wall up to one metre to allow visibility to car parking spaces.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W16499/2, subject to setting back the wall up to one metre.

975 W16907 - 8 SUNNINGDALE AVENUE, LOWESTOFT

Application for two storey extension.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that two objections had been received to the above application, however the proposal would not affect neighbours' light or amenity and he recommended approval.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W16907.

976 W6697/2 - 7 ELM TREE ROAD WEST, LOWESTOFT

Application for front extension.

The Director of Planning and Building Control reported that this was a large extension but on a very substantial site; he recommended approval. An objection had been received, but the proposal was unlikely to affect neighbours' amenities.

RESOLVED

That planning permission be granted to application W6697/2.

The Meeting was concluded at 10.20 pm

CHAIRMAN

Volume 25 Minute 954

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