Garden curtilage extension at 3 Clos Afon, Abercwmboi, Aberdare

What was proposed

Retrospective permission was sought to turn waste land into garden curtilage, with a 1.8-metre wooden fence and gravel landscaping.

“Full retrospective planning consent is sought for a proposed change of use of existing waste land to provide an extended garden curtilage for 3 Clos Afon, Abercwmboi.”

“Works associated with the change of use include the erection of a wooden fence which measures 1.8m in height as well as landscaping works consisting of the addition of gravel within the curtilage of the fence.”

Officer report

The site and its history

The land lies between a wildlife reserve and a detached house, with neighbouring properties to the north and south; no relevant recent applications are recorded.

“The application site relates to an area of waste land situated between Pwll Waun Cynon Wildlife Trust Reserve and 3 Clos Afon, Abercwmboi. The application is retrospective, as…”

“APPLICATION NUMBER – 25/1148/FUL REPORT such the site currently forms part of the rear curtilage of 3 Clos Afon which is a large, detached property set within a residential development cul-de-sac. The property is set within a larger than average plot with the reserve to the rear and neighbours located adjacent to the north and south.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal complied with relevant policies on visual impact, neighbouring amenity, privacy and biodiversity.

“RECOMMENDATION: GRANT SUBJECT TO THE CONDITIONS BELOW:”

“REASONS: The application is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the Local Development Plan in respect of its visual impact and the impact it has upon the amenity and privacy of the neighbouring residential properties as well as its impact on biodiversity.”

Officer report

Officers’ assessment

Officers considered the garden extension acceptable in principle and found no significant harm to character, neighbours, ecology, highways or drainage.

“The application relates to the extension of an existing garden into an existing strip of land between the application dwelling and Pwll Waun Cynon Wildlife Trust Reserve. The wider residential development of Clos Afon falls outside but adjacent to the defined settlement boundary for Abercwmboi. As such, the principle of residential development is established.”

“In relation to ecology, objectors have raised a number of concerns related to the impact of the development on the local wildlife. However, whilst the concerns are noted and appreciated, given the scale of the development as well as the lack of objection from the Council’s Ecology section and NRW to the proposed development on ecological grounds, it is not considered that the development would result in a significant enough detriment to the ecology of the area to warrant…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant and an objector addressed the committee, and the applicant responded to the objector’s comments.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director of Housing and Regeneration.

“The Head of Major Development and Investment presented the application to Committee and following consideration it was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the recommendation of the Director, Housing and Regeneration.”

Minutes

The permission’s condition

The permission requires the development to follow the approved drawings and a later biodiversity enhancement scheme to be submitted and implemented.

“The development hereby approved shall be retained in accordance with the approved drawings and documents:”

“Notwithstanding the submitted details, within 6 months of the date of this permission, a scheme for the provision of biodiversity enhancement shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The approved details shall be implemented within 3 months of the submitted plans being accepted and retained and maintained for the designed purpose thereafter.”

Officer report