Agenda item

Minutes:

Note:              Councillor Angela White stepped down from Committee at 8:09pm for the duration of this item.

 

The Chairman introduced application number 140042 for a two and a half storey office building and associated car park. On seeing there were no updates from the Officer, he invited the first speaker to address the Committee.

 

The first speaker introduced himself as Councillor John Evans, Chairman of Nettleham Parish Council. He stated that the Parish Council had no objection to building on the proposed plot and fully supported the completion of the enterprise park however, they strongly believed that the proposed building was out of proportion with the rest of the park. He explained that the other buildings on the site were one or two floors high. The building on the other side to the proposed development stood at 7m high with a second floor built into the roof space. He stated that the new building would stand at 12m high, a size difference which would be exacerbated by the proximity to smaller buildings as well as the proposed site being the highest point of the park. He commented that the topographical effect would emphasise the additional height of the building. Cllr Evans stated that they believed the application to be contrary to the Neighbourhood Plan as well as LP5 (appropriateness of size and scale) and LP55 (inappropriate for the rural character of the locality). He made enquiries of the Officer regarding the hedge height and amenity space but concluded by requesting the Committee to reject the application.

 

The Chairman invited Councillor Angela White to address the Committee. She explained she was speaking as Ward Member and had requested that the application be decided by Committee. She reiterated the comments from the Parish Council that the enterprise park was supported but it was the proposed building she objected to. She referred to LP26, section c, regarding the design of the building and LP26 section d, that there would be no coalescence with other buildings. She commented that the proposed building would have a detrimental impact on the street scene and would harm the character of the site. She reiterated the support for the park, but not for the proposed building on account of its inappropriate size and height. She thanked the Committee for their time and requested that the application be declined.

 

Note:              Councillor Angela White left the room at 8:18pm

 

The Senior Development Management Officer clarified for Committee Members that the proposed building was 3m higher than anything else on the site which was not a significant increase and did not make it unacceptable. He confirmed the hedge was labelled as 1.5m to 2m in height on the site/landscaping plan and although there was no specified position for bins, there was space available and it could be addressed in the conditions.

 

The Chairman invited comments from the Committee and whilst there was overall support for the completion of the enterprise park, it was felt that the size of the proposed building in its prominent location was detrimental to the overall character of the area and was overpowering. A site visit was proposed however this was not seconded and therefore not taken to a vote.

 

A Member of Committee proposed the refusal of the application with reference to LP17, LP26 section c, regarding the existing topography, height and scale of the proposed building, and D6 section a of the Neighbourhood Plan, recognising the local character, again in relation to the height and scale of the proposed building. This was seconded and taken to vote.

 

With 12 in favour and one abstention, it was agreed that planning permission be REFUSED as it would not accord with local policy LP17 and LP26 criteria (c) of the CLLP, Policy D-6 criteria (a) of the Made Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan and the provisions of the NPPF.

 

Note:              Councillor Angela White returned to the room at 8:30pm and retook her seat at Committee.

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