Agenda item
25/01525/FUL Stable to the rear of Vahalla, Church Street, Stonesfield.
Minutes:
Councillor Genny Early left the Council Chamber.
The Planner, Emile Baldauf-Clark presented the application for the conversion of an existing home office and art studio/ gym (former stable building) into an independent residential dwelling, including extension to create first floor accommodation, modification of external appearance, landscaping and amenity space.
The presentation addressed the following points
- The application was to convert a home office into a separate residential dwelling. The building was previously a single storey stable.
- The footprint would remain the same with the small infill to square the site off and include the two parking spaces, the existing field access was to be maintained.
- The proposed elevation included a slight increase to the height of the roof by 1.7 meters to allow space foe first floor accommodation with additional dormers.
Mr Drew spoke in objection as an agent for Mr and Mrs Miles and raised the following points: highlighted inaccuracies in the design and access at the edge of Church Street, the narrow footpath for pedestrians, the number of cars accessing the driveway.
Oliver Neagle, agent for the applicant raised the following points: the design of the proposed building does not extend past the original footprint, and would be reuse of a current building, there would be no harm to the surrounding landscape, no overlooking, loss of privacy, and overbearing impact on neighbours.
The Planner continued with the presentation and addressed the following points:
- The proposed site was within the residential area of Stonesfield and was supported by policies OS2, H2 and H6. The proposed dwelling would make effective use of the site and respected the local character of the area.
- The proposed site supported sustainable development and contributed to the housing supply. There were no harms to the Cotswold National Landscape, the site was outside the conservation area and there were no listed buildings nearby.
- The proposed dwelling was of a sustainable design and was an efficient use of the land. Proposed natural materials would ensure the building was in keeping with the surrounding properties.
- Oxfordshire County Council had not objected in terms of highways and parking subject to conditions. There were no anticipated residential privacy or immunity concerns as well as any biodiversity or contamination issues. the recommended was for approval subject to the conditions as set out in the report.
The Chair then invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application, which raised the following points.
- Members asked if the driveway could be adopted by Highways, the officer confirmed that the matter would be a legal one, under civil law and not covered by planning. Members raised concerns that the driveway was a single track.
· Members commented on the planning history of the site and raised concerns of cumulative developments within the village which impacted Brook Lane, Churchfields and Church Street.
Councillor David Jackson proposed that the Sub-Committee approve the application in line with the officer recommendation. Councillor Geoff Saul seconded the proposal and it was put to the vote.
Voting Record – 5 for, 1 against and 1 abstention.
The Sub-Committee Resolved to:
- Approve the application in line with the officer recommendation.
Councillor Genny Early return to the Council Chamber.