Agenda item

Members gave consideration to the final application of the evening, application number 142847 for conversion of existing dwelling into 2no. dwellings at Cobwebs, Middlefield Lane, Glentham, Market Rasen.

The Chairman stated there was one registered speaker for the application, Mr Mike Dee, and he invited him to address the Committee. Mr Dee made the following statement.

“Good evening members of the planning committee.

As the agent for the application on Middlefield Lane in Glentham, I am here today to speak in support of the proposal which has been presented to this evenings meeting with a recommendation of approval.

The original building consisted of 2 semi-detached symmetrical cottages. The previous occupier lived in one of the cottages and in 1992 decided to buy the other cottage also. The previous occupier then created a doorway opening at the ground floor level and effectively used both cottages as one dwelling from that point onwards. The opening at the ground floor level was the only modification made to allow the cottages to be used as one dwelling.

When viewing the property externally from Middlefield Lane, the building still appears to be 2 individual cottages as there are 2 front doors to each original cottage and a roof that is physically divided with ridge tiles.

Internally, the 2 original separate staircases remain in place which each lead to separate first floor areas that are still completely divided by the original party wall. The separate electrical supplies to each cottage also remain in place and from a conveyancing perspective each cottage has its own separate legal title.

Currently the existing building stands empty in an extremely poor state of repair and is unsuitable for occupation. This planning application seeks formal consent to re-instate the two cottages back into their original form which will be complemented by a complete refurbishment on each cottage to include new heating systems, wall and roof insulation, new external doors and windows and new kitchens and bathrooms.

The application has been recommended for approval by the planning officer and there have been no objections from local residents, the historic environment officer or the highways department. The parish council did raise concerns regarding parking however we have provided 2 off-street parking spaces, 1 per dwelling.

The application site is in an appropriate location under Policy LP2 and the proposal will provide additional benefits by restoring a heritage asset of local significance back into its original form of 2 cottages.

By approving this application, 2 completely refurbished cottages will be brought onto the market for occupation which forms a positive contribution when considering the under-supply of housing.

I therefore trust that the members of the planning committee can approve this application in line with the planning officer’s recommendation.”

With no further comment from the Officer, and with Members expressing support for the plan to revert to two dwellings, the Officer recommendation was proposed from the Chair, seconded, and on taking the vote, it was unanimously agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions.

Conditions stating the time by which the development must be commenced:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

Reason: To conform with Section 91 (1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Conditions which apply or require matters to be agreed before the development commenced:

None.

Conditions which apply or are to be observed during the course of the development:

2. With the exception of the detailed matters referred to by the conditions of this consent, the development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the following drawings:

Site Plans as Existing and Proposed / Location Plan ref. NWD-100

Floor Plans as Existing and Proposed ref. NWD-200

Elevations as Existing and Proposed ref. NWD-300

The works shall be carried out in accordance with the details shown on the approved plans and in any other approved documents forming part of the application.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans and to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework and policy LP17 and LP26 of the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.

Conditions which apply or relate to matters which are to be observed following completion of the development:

None.