Agenda item

The Committee considered the report of the Business Manager – Planning Development, which sought planning permission for the demolition of a dwelling and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage/workshop.

Members considered the presentation from the Business Manager - Planning Development, which included photographs and plans of the proposed development.

Councillor Emma Wilson on behalf of Lowdham Parish Council spoke against the application, in accordance with the views of Lowdham Parish Council, as contained within the report.

Councillor T Wendels – Local Ward Member (Lowdham) spoke against the application on the grounds of flooding, including the most recent flooding in February 2020 were ninety properties flooded.  The Environment Agency’s objection was read out to the Committee, as contained within the report which made it clear that the proposed application was not acceptable.  The two storey proposed dwelling had a footprint which was double that of the current property. 

Members considered the application and it was commented that no further development should be undertaken given the impact in surface water drainage that this may cause to surrounding properties in a flood area such as this.  Lowdham Parish Council had indicated that a flood defence scheme was being undertaken and until that had been concluded no further developments should be approved.

The Business Manager – Planning Development confirmed that if this was an application for a new dwelling, this application would be refused based on the advice of the Environment Agency (EA).  The risk to people’s lives as commented by the EA was considered to be not relevant as the householder could take refuge on the first floor.  The applicant could extend the ground floor footprint through permitted development rights and the floor levels would not be in the Local Planning Authority’s control.  Whilst the hard surface area of the proposed dwelling would increase, in terms of flooding itself it would have little impact.  It was suggested that if the Committee were minded to approve the application permitted development rights - Class A could be removed for extensions.

(As Councillor Mrs P Rainbow was not present for the entire presentation due to connection failure, she took no part in the debate or vote).

A vote was taken and lost to approve planning permission with the removal of permitted development rights Class A, with 1 vote For and 10 votes Against.

AGREED      (with 10 votes For and 1 votes Against) that contrary to Officer recommendation full planning permission be refused on the grounds of the advice of the Environment Agency response.

In accordance with paragraph 12.5 of the Planning Protocol, as the motion was against officer recommendation, a recorded vote was taken.