Agenda item
24/00126/FUL Culfre, Bampton Road, Clanfield, Bampton.
- Meeting of Lowlands Area Planning Sub-Committee, Monday, 9th September, 2024 2.00 pm (Item 45.)
- View the declarations of interest for item 45.
Minutes:
Clare Anscombe, Senior Planner, introduced the application, for the change of use from dwelling to letting rooms, proposed rear extension, enlargement of the rear car park and alterations to the access and associated internal works (amended plans).
Councillor Alaric Smith addressed the Sub-Committee as the local district ward member in objection to the application.
Giles Haughton, Chair of Clanfield Parish Council, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.
Ian Smith, local resident, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.
Sharon de Bru addressed the Sub-Committee on behalf of the applicant, which raised clarification points regarding staffing levels at the site, car parking provision, accommodation offering and pedestrian safety.
The Senior Planner’s presentation clarified the following points:
- The application site was contained within the village of Clanfield, which was designated as a village in accordance with Local Plan Policy OS2, and would help to maintain the vitality of communities;
- Adherence to Local Plan Policy H6 – The application would bring a positive contribution to local services and facilities within the Clanfield village;
- The application site was considered acceptable as the site and renovations to the existing dwelling would interlink with The Double Red Duke Public House;
- The application site would compliment the existing character of the street scene and would further compliment the character of the village;
- The development site would not have a detrimental affect to the street scene, as the change of dwelling use and associated works would be of an acceptable nature;
- The application would respect the existing character of the area and heritage assets which lie within close proximity of the site;
- The application would enhance the local viability and future employment opportunities of the Clanfield village, which was considered acceptable by officers and supported by national policy.
The Chair then invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application, which raised the
following points:
- Intended use of dwelling – Officers confirmed that the application would enable the dwelling to become a multi-occupant facility, with common shared space identified within the proposals;
- Officers highlighted to the Sub-Committee the difficulties with controlling the number of guests staying at the property at any given time;
- Vehicle parking provision at the site – Officers confirmed to Members that the application site would contain adequate parking facilities, and that no objections had been made by the local highways authority when consulted on the application;
- Proposed events space – Members highlighted concerns that the dwelling would become a destination for large gatherings and for parties to be held. Officers advised that the Agent had confirmed that the use of the site would be for a hotel use;
- Officers also highlighted the difficulty in being able to place conditions on the application to restrict gatherings inside the dwelling and advised that it would be unreasonable to impose a condition restricting outdoor events and functions as this is controlled by separate legislation under the Licensing Act;
- Loss of housing – Officers clarified that the application was considered to comply with policy H6 regarding the loss of dwellings to other uses and in any case, only one dwelling would be lost;
- Members raised concern regarding potential noise & disturbance resulting from the proposal – Officers advised that the Environmental Health Officer had no objections to the application and that conditions relating to noise were therefore not considered necessary.
Councillor Andy Goodwin proposed that the application be approved, in line with Officer recommendations. This was seconded by Councillor Adrian Walsh and was put to a vote. There were 8 votes in favour, 5 votes against and 1 abstention. The vote was carried.
The Sub-Committee Resolved to:
1. Approve the application in line with Officer recommendations.