Loft access alterations at 3 Church View, Bampton

What was proposed

The application proposed a new loft access opening in a first-floor bedroom with an integrated ladder.

“Application Details: Internal alterations to create a new loft access opening in the first floor bedroom with integrated ladder access.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a Grade II listed building in west Bampton within the Bampton Conservation Area.

“The application seeks Listed Building Consent for internal alterations to create a new loft access opening in the first floor bedroom with integrated ladder access at 3 Church View, Bampton. The application site relates to a Grade II listed building located in west Bampton, lying within the Bampton Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Why it came to committee

The application came before members because the applicant was an elected district councillor.

“The application has been brought before Members of the Committee as the applicant is an elected member of West Oxfordshire District Council as a District Councillor.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, concluding that the modest internal works would not harm the listed building and would preserve its special interest.

“Officers are required to take account of section 16(2) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 as amended which states that in considering whether to grant planning permission for any works the local planning authority shall have special regard to the desirability of preserving the building, its setting and any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses.”

“With regard to the impact on the listed building, given the modest nature of the proposals which will help to maintain the building's long term use, it is considered that the works do not negatively impact the fabric of the listed building. The proposal would respect the special qualities and historic context of the Conservation Area and would maintain the appearance of the heritage asset given the nature of…”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The conservation officer and parish council raised no objections, while Historic England said consultation was not required.

“Conservation And Design Officer No objections.”

“Parish Council BAMPTON PARISH COUNCIL has NO OBJECTION to this application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A planning officer presented the application and explained the internal changes and safer loft access.

Members’ discussion

Members asked whether officers would have determined the application under delegated authority if the applicant had not been an elected member.

“26/00396/LBC 3 Church View, Bampton George Matthews, Planning Officer, presented the application for internal alterations to create a new loft access opening in the first floor bedroom with integral ladder access. The application was before the sub-committee due to the applicant being an elected member of West Oxfordshire District Council. The property was a Grade II listed building in Bampton. The changes to the property were internally only.”

Minutes

The vote

The application was approved with 10 votes for, none against and no abstentions.

“Voting Record: For 10 Against 0 Abstention 0 The Development Management Sub-Committee Resolved to: 1. Approve the application in line with officer recommendations. 13”

Minutes

Approval conditions

The approval required timely commencement, specified materials, protection of original features and matching materials for new and making-good works.

“2 The development shall be constructed with the materials specified in the application.”

“4 All new works and works of making good shall be carried out in materials, and detailed, to match the adjoining original fabric except where shown otherwise on the approved drawings.”

Officer report