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V28-291 : W875/7 AND /8 - FORMER SURGERY, MARKET PLACE, HALESWORTH

Application for demolition of existing surgery and construction of three cottages with associated landscaping, and Conservation Area Consent for demolition of existing surgery building.

The report of the Corporate Director (Regeneration and Environment) outlined the planning history of the above site, which had been granted permission in 1998 for conversion of the rear section of the building to form six bedsits and student training rooms. The present application proposed demolition of the front part of the building facing Market Place and replacing it with a block of three two-bedroom two storey properties at right angles to Market Place.

The Town Council recommended refusal of the application due to overcrowding of the site, car parking problems and overlooking, and there was a similar neighbour objection. The scheme was well designed for the restricted site and incorporated a number of design features indicative of the Market Place. The Highways Agency had no objection, and the Council's Highways Section's recommendations reflected a relaxation of car parking standards within Town Centres and the fact that the current building had existing use as a doctors' surgery with potentially higher traffic generation than other proposals. The scheme had been amended with the moving of some windows, and with those amendments the Director recommended approval subject to removal of permitted development rights.

Whilst members accepted that there was no problem with the principle of development on the site, they were concerned that the site was just too small for three properties. The properties would have no car parking and very little amenity space, and with two bedrooms each there was the potential for the properties to be occupied by families with children. Members felt that one-bedroom properties would be preferable on the site, or alternatively two two-bedroom properties with larger gardens. They were therefore minded to refuse the application, but asked the Director to continue negotiation on an alternative scheme which should be brought back to the Panel.

RESOLVED

That planning permission and Conservation Area Consent be refused to applications W875/7 and W875/8 respectively, and that further discussions take place on an alternative scheme to be brought back to the Panel.


Volume 28 Minute 291

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