HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PLANNING A COMMITTEE MEETING

HELD ON 25 NOVEMBER 2014

AT THE TOWN HALL

Present: Councillor M Ellis (Chairman)

Councillors Mrs Vincent and Williams

Apologies: Councillor Newns

Absent: None

In attendance: Heather Scott, Planning, Information and Facilities Officer

12 Members of the public

“Informed by the information available, the following decisions were taken by the Harpenden Town Councillors. Those Councillors who are also serving on the District Council will also consider the matter afresh at district level in the light of all the evidence including the relevant officer’s report”.

87.  APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Newns.

88. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

Councillor M Ellis declared a personal non prejudicial interest in applications 5/14/2759 and 5/14/2778.

89. MINUTES OF THE PLANNING A COMMITTEE HELD ON 28 OCTOBER 2014.

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 28 October 2014, previously circulated, were duly signed as a correct record.

90. PUBLIC QUESTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDING ORDER 61.

There were no public questions.

91. APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 07/11/2014. THREE

WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 28/11/2014.

APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 14/11/2014. THREE

WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 05/12/2014.

The Committees recommendations are attached as APPENDIX A

92. LETTERS OF OBJECTION

The letters of objection were duly noted by the Committee

93. APPEALS

The appeals were duly noted by the Committee.

94. PRIOR NOTIFICATIONS

The prior notification was duly noted by the Committee.

95. LIST OF WEEKLY ST ALBANS DISTRICT COUNCIL DECISIONS.

The decisions list was duly noted by the Committee.

96. APPLICATION FOR TREE WORKS

The applications for tree works were noted by the Committee.

97. / DATE OF NEXT MEETING / St Albans District Council Planning (Development Control) Committee North meeting to be held on Monday 15 December 2014 – M Ellis
Planning B Committee meeting to be held on Tuesday, 16 December 2014. Rosemary Farmer, Dr Frosh, Mrs Linacre and Thomas.

98. CLOSE 10.05 p.m.

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Chairman

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Date


HARPENDEN TOWN COUNCIL APPENDIX A

APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 07/11/2014. THREE

WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 28/11/2014.

APPLICATIONS REGISTERED WEEK ENDING 14/11/2014. THREE

WEEK PERIOD EXPIRES 05/12/2014.

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Ref: 5/14/3023 Category: Ward: Harpenden East

Proposal: Two storey side extension, single storey side extension, conversion of garage and construction of garden store at 2 Lyndhurst Drive Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5QN For Mrs Murphy

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

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Ref: 5/14/3073 Category: Ward: Harpenden East

Proposal: Two storey side and rear extensions, rear dormer window and rooflights to incorporate loft conversion (resubmission following withdrawal of 5/2014/2088) at 36 Manland Avenue Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4RF For Mr David Cotgreave

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN THAT THE PROPOSED EXTENSIONS WILL BE OVERLY DOMINANT LEADING TO A POSSIBLE LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED THAT THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PARKING PROVISION FOR THE ADDITIONAL BEDROOM. POLICIES 40 AND 72 (i), (iv) AND (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFER.

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Ref: 5/14/2403 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Discharge of Conditions 4 (method statement for protection of trees), 5 (landscape design proposals) and 6 (soft landscape works) of planning permission 5/2014/1399 dated 22/07/2014 for Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of two, five bedroom detached dwellings with integral garages, associated parking, landscaping and new vehicle crossovers at 51 Roundwood Park Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3AG For Mr Richard James

It was RESOLVED: NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE

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Ref: 5/14/2605 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Advertisement consent - Retention of eight signs at The Old Bell 177 Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3BN For Ms Nicola Pegg

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE SIGNAGE POSITIONED AT THE FRONT OF THIS GRADE II LISTED BUILDING, NAMELY SIGNS 1, 2 AND 8. THE SIGNAGE IS NOT IN KEEPING WITH THE GRADE II LISTED BUILDING ON THE SITE. POLICIES 78, 86 AND 90 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFER.

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Ref: 5/14/2609 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Installation of ticket machine (retrospective) at The Old Bell 177 Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3BN For Ms Nicola Pegg

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE POSITIONING OF THE TICKET MACHINE WHICH IS OUT OF KEEPING WITH THE GRADE II LISTED BUILDING ON THE SITE. POLICY 86 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/2862 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Reserved matters (landscape and appearance sought - Phase 1 commercial) following outline permission 5/2013/3078 dated 14/03/2014 for Outline application (access, layout and scale) for demolition of existing and erection of 67 dwellings (including 23 affordable units) and two Class B1 offices with associated river restoration, hard and soft landscaping, public open space and car parking at Lea Industrial Estate Lower Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5EQ For Mr Peter Hubbard

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION. THE COMMITTEE ARE PLEASED WITH THE PROPOSED ENHANCEMENT OF THIS AREA.

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Ref: 5/14/2864 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Reserved matters (landscape and appearance sought - Phase 2 residential) following outline permission 5/2013/3078 dated 14/03/2014 for Outline application (access, layout and scale) for demolition of existing and erection of 67 dwellings (including 23 affordable units) and two Class B1 offices with associated river restoration, hard and soft landscaping, public open space and car parking at Lea Industrial Estate Lower Luton Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5EQ For Mr Peter Hubbard

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION. THE COMMITTEE ARE PLEASED WITH THE PROPOSED ENHANCEMENT OF THIS AREA.

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Ref: 5/14/2984 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Change of use from Class B2 (general industrial) to Sui Generis for use as storage and distribution of plant hire at 34 Coldharbour Lane Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4UN For JMS (UK) Ltd

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN THAT IF THE SITE IS TO BE USED FOR HEAVY PLANT OPERATION, CONDITIONS PLACED ON THE PERMISSION WOULD BE IMPORTANT TO PROTECT THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND OTHER BUSINESSES IN THE AREA. POLICY 82 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/2997 Category: Ward: Harpenden North

Proposal: Garage conversion at 2b Park Mount Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 3AR For Mr Sam Brown

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE LOSS OF GARAGE IN THIS ALREADY HEAVILY PARKING CONGESTED ROAD. POLICY 40 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/2983 Category: Ward: Harpenden South

Proposal: Single storey rear and side extension at 5 Aldwick Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1NG For Mr & Mrs B Rapier

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

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Ref: 5/14/3003 Category: Ward: Harpenden South

Proposal: Garden room at 10 Pipers Avenue Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1HB For Mr D Carstairs

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

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Ref: 5/14/3007 Category: Ward: Harpenden South

Proposal: Raising the roof with rear dormer windows and rooflights to incorporate loft conversion (resubmission following refusal of 5/2014/2212) at 64 Meadway Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1JQ

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO THE PREVIOUS REASONS FOR REFUSAL BEING ADDRESSED AND NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. POLICY 72 (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/3058 Category: Ward: Harpenden South

Proposal: Demolition of existing and erection of a five bedroom dwelling at 51 The Deerings Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 2PF For Mr & Mrs Luhde- Thompson

It was RESOLVED: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT DWELLING IS AN OVERDEVELOPMENT OF THE PLOT AND IS OUT OF SCALE AND CHARACTER WITH THE SURROUNDING STREETSCENE. THE COMMITTEE ARE NOT IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSED MATERIALS AND THEIR USE THROUGHOUT THE SCHEME. POLICIES 69(i) AND 70(i) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/2759 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Demolition of existing outbuildings and creation of 31 dwelling units comprising of refurbishment and conversion of existing listed building to create three, two bedrooms and two, three bedroom flats and new building comprising of four, four bedroom houses and ten, two bedroom and twelve, three bedroom flats, new pedestrian gate to boundary wall, ancillary parking and associated landscaping at Harpenden House Hotel 18 Southdown Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1PE For Fairview New Homes (Chase Road) Ltd.

Councillor M Ellis declared a personal non prejudicial interest in this application.

Mr Barry Watson, 13 Arden Grove spoke against the application.

Mr Paul Lemar, Fairview Homes spoke for the application.

It was RESOLVED: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE COMMITTEE ARE CONCERNED OVER THE HEIGHT, BULK AND MASSING OF BLOCK B WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE FROM SOUTHDOWN ROAD. CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE PROLIFERATION OF BALCONIES IN THIS BLOCK AND THE POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE PROPERTIES IN ARDEN GROVE. POLICIES 69 (i), 70 (i), (vi), 85 (i)b), d) AND f) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE DESIGN AND ROOF HEIGHT OF BLOCK A, LEADING TO A POSSIBLE LOSS OF AMENITY ON THE PROPERTIES IN ARDEN GROVE. POLICIES 69 (i), 70 (i), (vi), 85 (i)b), d) AND f) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

THE COMMITTEE ARE IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSALS FOR THE EXISTING GRADE II LISTED BUILDING AND FOR THE FOUR DETACHED DWELLINGS ON THE SITE.

THE COMMITTEE RECOGNISE THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF A VIABLE HOTEL ON THE SITE, A SCHEME OF THIS NATURE WILL BE WELCOMED, HOWEVER THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELEMENT IN THE SCHEME.

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Ref: 5/14/2778 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Listed Building consent - Refurbishment and conversion of existing building to create three, two bedrooms and two, three bedroom flats including associated internal works and alterations to openings at Harpenden House Hotel 18 Southdown Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 1PE For Fairview New Homes (Chase Road) Ltd.

Councillor M Ellis declared a personal non prejudicial interest in this application.

Mr Barry Watson, 13 Arden Grove spoke against the application.

Mr Paul Lemar, Fairview Homes spoke for the application.

It was RESOLVED: RECOMMEND REFUSAL. THE COMMITTEE ARE CONCERNED OVER THE HEIGHT, BULK AND MASSING OF BLOCK B WHICH WILL BE VISIBLE FROM SOUTHDOWN ROAD. CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE PROLIFERATION OF BALCONIES IN THIS BLOCK AND THE POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE PROPERTIES IN ARDEN GROVE. POLICIES 69 (i), 70 (i), (vi), 85 (i)b), d) AND f) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

CONCERN IS ALSO EXPRESSED OVER THE DESIGN AND ROOF HEIGHT OF BLOCK A, LEADING TO A POSSIBLE LOSS OF AMENITY ON THE PROPERTIES IN ARDEN GROVE. POLICIES 69 (i), 70 (i), (vi), 85 (i)b), d) AND f) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

THE COMMITTEE ARE IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSALS FOR THE EXISTING GRADE II LISTED BUILDING AND FOR THE FOUR DETACHED DWELLINGS ON THE SITE.

THE COMMITTEE RECOGNISE THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF A VIABLE HOTEL ON THE SITE, A SCHEME OF THIS NATURE WILL BE WELCOMED, HOWEVER THEY ARE DISAPPOINTED THAT NO AFFORDABLE HOUSING ELEMENT IN THE SCHEME.

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Ref: 5/14/2840 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Change of use from Class D1 (non residential institution) to Class C3 (dwelling) and alteration to opening at 12 Leyton Green Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 2TG For Mr Tony McFarland

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY 85 (i)(c) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN.

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Ref: 5/14/2933 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Single storey side and rear extensions and conversion of garage with new roof and rooflights to No.20 and single storey rear extension to No.22 at 20 & 22 Cowper Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5NG For K McCormack & N Bosworth

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH POLICY 85 (i)(c) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN.

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Ref: 5/14/3001 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: First floor side extension, front porch with canopy, conversion of garage and new side window (amendment to planning permission 5/2014/0884 dated 12/8/2014) at 6 Townsend Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4BQ For Mr & Mrs P & C Barr

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN WITH REGARD TO THE FIRST FLOOR SIDE EXTENSION WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN OVERBEARING IMPACT ON NEIGHBOURING PROPERTY, FIELD HOUSE, AND AS A CONSEQUENCE BE DETRIMENTAL TO THE AMENITY OF THE RESIDENTS, EFFECTING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND DAYLIGHT PROVISION. POLICY 72 (V) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

______Ref: 5/14/3004 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Discharge of Condition 4 (tree protection) of planning permission 5/2013/3152 dated 17/01/2014 for Alterations and raising of roof with rear dormer window and side rooflights of create habitable loft accommodation, part single, part two storey front, first floor rear and single storey front and rear extensions, alterations to front canopy, alterations to openings and part rendering to side elevation at 65 Townsend Lane Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 2RE For Mr Mark Knighton

It was RESOLVED: NO COMMENT REQUIRED BY THE COMMITTEE

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Ref: 5/14/3037 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Variation of Condition of 6 (protection of trees) of planning permission 5/2012/0942 dated 14/06/2012 for Replacement two storey dwelling with basement at 15a Park Avenue South Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 2DZ For Mr Scarlett

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

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Ref: 5/14/3042 Category: Ward: Harpenden West

Proposal: Single storey rear extension incorporating steps and railings at 8 Bowers Way Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EW For Mr P Hepplewhite

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION SUBJECT APPROPRIATE DESIGN AND USE OF MATERIALS IN THE CONSERVATION AREA AND NO LOSS OF AMENITY TO NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES. POLICIES 72 (v) AND 85 OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFER.

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Ref: 5/14/3107 Category: Ward: Harpenden East

Proposal: First floor side extension, single storey rear extension with roof alterations at 12 Lyndhurst Drive Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5QN For Mr Andrew Allan

It was RESOLVED: NO OBJECTION

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Ref: 5/14/3118 Category: Ward: Harpenden East

Proposal: Single storey front extension, part single, part two storey rear extension, replacement and alterations to roof, replacement windows, garage conversion with alteration to openings, insertion of windows to side elevations, front canopy, painted rendering of external walls and rear decking with steps and handrails (resubmission following approval of 5/2014/1714 dated 08/08/2014) at 5 Granby Avenue Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 5QP For Mr Nigel Huscroft

It was RESOLVED: EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE IMPACT THE PROPOSED EXTENSIONS WILL HAVE ON THE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTIES BY THEIR SIZE, BULK AND MASSING. POLICY 72 (i) AND (v) OF THE DISTRICT PLAN REFERS.

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Ref: 5/14/3070 Category: Ward: Harpenden North