For those who didn’t follow the live coverage of the Planning Committee, what follows are the notes taken down during the meeting by Simon, regarding the application for Hazelhurst, Gates Lane, Freshwater.
Planning officer presents – Miss S Wilkinson.
Came up in Jan 08 when it was refused.
It’s diagonally opposite from Dimbola Lodge.
Was block of nine flats. Now nine units
9 flats proposed. six 2 bed and three 1 bed.
11 parking places, inc two visitor places.
Slight increase in height from current building.
All windows at the rear have been removed, apart form two obscured glass windows. “The perception of loss of privacy has been overcome”.
Loss of light has been overcome.
Out of character – line has changed, so it’s believed that this is much more in character.
Gap between proposed development and current building at the rear has been increased to an acceptable distance.
Public to speak next
Mr Vic Jennings
Represent a group of residents. Most buildings in the area a large, single family accommodation.
Dangerous precedent. Loss of community, if they are left empty.
200 letters of objection for the latest application
A supplementary application may come later to bring back two semi detached buildings removed from this application.
If it is passed, site must not be left demolish and not developed.
David Long, Agent
Clear that it’s been an emotive matter for the public.
No grounds to not allow demolition.
Gains correct balance of parking and gardens.
Traditional detailings.
Dimbola isn’t affected.
All previous reasons of objection have been addressed. So there is no justification for refusal.
This is a high quality development.
Appealing the decision would give an unnecessary burden on my client.
We need certainty in decisions in this market.
Planning Officer
If there is a later application to build on the amenity space, it would have to be viewed separately.
Conservation area are designed to manage change not block it.
16:30 – Cllr Kennett (local cllr)
To a small degree reasons have been. Concerned that it will have a big impact on the area.
I’ve spoken to conservation dept. Gate Lane has a great relevance – due to Tennyson Trail.
Hazelhurst isn’t the most attractive building, but demolition and building of flats would add nothing to the area.
There’s huge local public concern at this development.
There are lots of items in the agents document that are ‘interesting.’
If it’s passed, it shouldn’t be allowed to be developed.
Other people living in Gate Lane are getting approaches from developers.
(considerable applause from the audience)
Chair – We’re here to look at the reasons for refusal – the ones that came before us last time.
Cllr Cameron – 200 letters, lots of Freshwater.
It’s not the type of building that we want there.
If it weren’t for time, it would be listed by now.
Cllr Burt – Developer is trying to do something impossible. Rear boundary doesn’t look further away.
Cllr Chapman – Now declaring a prejudicial interest in the application – and is now leaving the chamber.
“Hear, hear” from the public.
Planning – distance has now increased. 1.3m max.
Cllr Mosdell – Why have people have such enthusiasm for the design of the old building, when it doesn’t appear to have much merit?
Planners advice, we don’t have a base for refusing demolition.
Mr Murphy – building has been changed considerably over the years – removal of front bays, etc. Difficult to protect the current building, particularly as planner is proposing something with more in keeping.
It’s not the volume of applications of objections. It’s material planning ground that are needed.
Cllr Miller – Bats needed to be preserved. Who will maintain the shared areas? Is there a limit on satellite dishes?
Mr Murphy – A condition can be added (using a s.106) to ensure building is maintained.
Mr Pegram – restrictions would be quite tight as ANOB. Height of building would restrict to one.
Cllr Miller – still concerned.
16:49
Ms Wilkinson – Bats – ecology officer has visited the building. None found. If the bats are found, need to contact the council – as bats are protected. Bats may be in pipe work, so not findable until demolition starts.
Cllr Mosdell – Material considerations don’t appear to have been brought to us. Propose acceptance.
Has been seconded too.
Conditions – Satellite dishes. management of communal areas.
Vote
6 for
3 against
no abstentions
Passed
