Agenda item

The Chair introduced application 147781, listed building consent to install access ramp and level access shower. The Development Management Team Manager confirmed there was no update to the published report and presented a summary of the application.

The Chair thanked the Officer for his presentation and advised the Committee there was one written statement.

A statement from Veronica Edwards was read by the Democratic and Civic Officer:

The proposed changes are essential for the client to remain in the family home and lead a more fulfilling life. At the current time the client is restricted to downstairs living, and this is proving very challenging due to the lack of bathing facilities that she can access. Other issues that the family must contend with are the difficulties the emergency services are experiencing in removing the client from the property when her condition worsens, which unfortunately is becoming more frequent. Due to the layout of the property with the many changes in level and the absence of ramps, removing her safely and quickly has become a challenge for all concerned. We have received an email from Rosie Jeffery (NHS Continuing Health Care Case manager) who has expressed a need for these adaptations at the property due to the difficulties the ambulance crews are having.The family have tried to sell the property, with it being on the market for well over two years and move to a more suitable house, however this has proved unsuccessful. The fact the property is a grade 2 listed building has put some potential buyers off, as it would prove very difficult to adapt to their own liking, these restrictions are also what is restricting the family from adapting the home.The proposed adaptions are sympathetic to the original features, within the proposed bathroom the original doorway will be covered but retained underneath the new stud wall. The external ramp will be hidden by the existing wall and the original doorway it leads to is being kept and not altered. The Heritage Officer (Liz Mayle) who carried out our heritage statement fully endorses the proposed changes that we have suggested, and it was her suggestion to move the door within the proposed bathroom area, as she stated no original features would be damaged or disturbed.

Members considered the application and strongly felt that it was important for the adaptations to be made so they could remain in the family home.

On taking the vote, it was agreed that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions.

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

1.    The works to which this consent relates shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this consent.

Reason: To conform with Section 18(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) 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: Existing and Proposed Ground Floor Utility/Bathroom Floor Plans, Proposed Ramp Plans (x3) and a Proposed Site Location/Block Plan for the Proposed Ramp received 23/01/2024. 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.

3. The following features must be retained in situ:

• The original door opening, door, frame, and architrave to the downstairs utility/bathroom.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans to safeguard the fabric and setting of the Grade II Listed Building to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework.

4. Prior to the installation of the new internal doorway to the ground floor utility/bathroom a section through of the proposed new internal door to the ground floor utility/bathroom showing all finishes, the new door, frame, architrave etc. on a scale of no less than 1:20 shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development must be completed in strict accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans to safeguard the fabric and setting of the Grade II Listed Building to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework.

5. All new external and internal finishes and works of making good to the retained fabric, shall match the existing original work adjacent in respect of methods, detailed execution and finished appearance unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: To ensure the development proceeds in accordance with the approved plans to safeguard the fabric and setting of the Grade II Listed Building to accord with the National Planning Policy Framework.

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

None.