Agenda item

Minutes:

The final application of the evening was introduced, application number 141705 for change of use from holiday let to 1no.dwelling. The Committee heard there were no updates to the report and the first registered speaker was invited to address the Committee.

 

Mr Sean Madden, Agent for the Applicant, thanked the Committee for their time and made the following points.

 

  • The change of use application seeks full planning approval for a residential dwelling, not change of use to a C3 dwellinghouse.  This has clearly been stated to the planning officer in an email along with other points which have been included in this report - C3 status has never been suggested at any stage by the applicant or agent.  Permission is sought for Mr P. Fleetwood to occupy the existing building - he has increasing mobility and health issues which require single storey living and he has lived at this location since 1963.
  • The holiday let was never brought into use due to the owner suffering ill health for a period of time, the applicant for the holiday let (Dennis Fleetwood) has now sadly now passed away.
  • The drains are not connected and a completion certificate has never been issued as the works were ongoing by Mr D. Fleetwood.  Building Inspection has been undertaken by West Lindsey District Council, and with work outstanding it would be unreasonable to apply for a completion certificate.
  • A marketing exercise was therefore not carried out due to the building not being brought into use as a holiday let
  • Paragraph 79 has no bearing on this application due to this change of use application which is for an existing building. Paragraph 79 refers to the construction of new buildings.
  • No fence has been constructed between the existing dwelling at Minster View and the building submitted for change of use due to the project being incomplete and under single ownership. The buildings are approx 25m apart and overlooking should not be a problem. A fence can easily be erected between the properties to ensure private amenity space is provided for the properties if ownership changes in the future, therefore ensuring compliance with Policy LP26 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.  This could easily be achieved by conditioning any permission granted.
  • There are 27 properties in the Hamlet of Stainfield, not 9 as indicated in the Officers Report.  These properties are all located within the 'Stainfield' village boards which mark the perimeter of the settlement.
  • Full and concise answers have been given to any questions raised by the planning officer promptly.
  • No objections have been received from any of the consultees, the parish council or highways, we therefore respectfully request for the application to be granted planning permission.

 

With no other speakers, Members of Committee were invited to comment on the application. It was enquired as to what constituted a hamlet, this was confirmed to be dwellings clearly clustered together to form a single developed footprint. Members queried the essence of building in open countryside and highlighted that the building was already in existence. The potential for change of ownership was recognised and it was suggested that, should the application be approved, it should be conditioned in order to put fencing in place to make a separate amenity area. It was also suggested that permitted development rights be withdrawn.

 

The Officer read aloud suggested conditions for consideration should Members be minded to approve the application.

 

Following further discussion, a Member of Committee proposed that permission be granted, in line with policy LP55 and subject to the conditions as detailed by the Officer.

 

On being seconded and voted upon, it was unanimously agreed that permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions provided by the Planning Officer.

 

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