Agenda and minutes

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors A T Cain, I E Dobson, Miss M R Lewis and Mrs N G F Shaughnessy.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 August 2018 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 22 August 2018 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6-8 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor Mrs P A Channer declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Essex

County Council, a consultee on planning application matters with respect generally to

highways, matters of access and education primarily.

Councillor S J Savage declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Maldon Town Council and on the basis that he had received a number of communications from the public regarding Agenda Item 5 – HOUSE/MAL/18/00819 – 4 Longship Way, Maldon.

Councillor M S Heard declared a non-pecuniary interest as he had a brief discussion with the applicant about the procedure followed in the Council Chamber.

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

Following the Officer’s presentation Mr Richard Marshall, an Objector and Mr Adam Peach, the Applicant, addressed the Committee.

It was noted that this application, retrospective in nature, related to the extension only, the dormer was recently refused under a lawful development application. The Committee was advised that the Inspector concluded that the development causes undue harm to the character and appearance of the host dwelling and the surrounding area. As a consequence planning permission should not be granted retrospectively and therefore the appeal was dismissed.

A debate ensued where Members discussed the Inspector’s appeal decision, the further works carried out following the serving of the enforcement notice and the final enforcement decision. They acknowledged that the development was contrary to the Local Development Plan and that the rear extension, by reason of its scale, bulk and design, causes harm to the visual amenity of the existing dwelling and surrounding area.

The Chairman put the Officer’s recommendation to the Committee. Upon a vote being taken the application was refused in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

RESOLVED that the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1.         The rear extension, by reasons of its scale and design, is considered to be an

incongruous and dominant addition which would cause harm to the existing dwelling on the site and the surrounding area.  The proposal is therefore contrary to the guidance contained within the NPPF and policies D1 and H4 of the Maldon District LDP.