External wall insulation at 24 Alstone Avenue, Cheltenham

What was proposed

External insulation with a rendered finish was proposed for the side and rear walls of eight two-storey terraced homes.

“DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSAL 1.1 The application seeks consent for the addition of rear and side external insulation to Nos. 24, 25, 33, 37, 41, 48, 53, and 54 Alstone Avenue. The plans have been revised in response to concerns raised by officers and neighbours regarding the principle of rendering the front of the properties.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The homes are red-brick, two-storey terraced dwellings, and side and rear rendering already appears on some properties in the terraces.

“This is supported through adopted Cheltenham Plan Policy D1 which requires development to ‘complement and respect neighbouring development and the character of the locality.’ The Cheltenham Climate Change SPD (adopted June 2022), sets out a strategy for decarbonising homes over the next decade. For residential alterations and extensions there is an opportunity to improve the environmental performance of homes through the inclusion of various technologies and features.”

“In addition, the statement highlights that the works will assist Cheltenham Borough Council in meeting its target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2030 and that the project is supported by the Government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. In terms of design and finish, the proposed works would result in the side and rear elevations of the properties being finished in semi-rough white render.”

Officer report

What people said

Representations raised concerns about character, architectural features, alternative sustainability measures, construction disturbance, damp, visual impact and consultation.

“In accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, letters were sent to all adjoining neighbouring properties. A total of 12 neighbouring properties were notified. A total of 23 representations were received in response to the publicity.”

“- Alternative sustainability measures should be considered, including solar panels, triple glazing, and internal insulation…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Ward Member addressed the committee about the revised plans, insulation choices, damp risks and protecting the Edwardian streetscape.

Members discussed the proposal

Members discussed the benefits and risks of external insulation, damp concerns, previous council work and the effect of partial rendering.

“In response to Members’ questions, officers confirmed that: - Originally the application had proposed render to the front of the properties but as these are red brick properties in a terrace it was felt that rendering the front of the properties would have an impact on the character of the street scene.”

“The matter then went to Member debate where the following points were made: - A considerable number of properties in a Member’s ward have had similar external insulation installed and have found significant difference with this form of insulation. In contrast cavity wall insulation in the area has led to properties experiencing significant damp problems and a number of complaints.”

Minutes

The committee voted

Councillors voted on a motion to permit the application in line with the officer recommendation, with nine in favour, none against and two abstentions.

“Councillor Wheeler put forwards a motion to accept the officer’s recommendation to permit. This was seconded by Councillor Dobie.”

“The matter then went to the vote on the motion to permit in line with the officer recommendation:”

Minutes

Permission conditions

Permission requires the works to begin within three years, follow the approved plans and obtain further permission for other exterior insulation, render or tiles.

“The planning permission hereby granted shall be begun not later than the expiration of three years from the date of this decision.”

“Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (or any Order revoking and/or re-enacting that Order, with or without modification), no cladding of any part of the exterior of the dwellinghouse with insulation, render or tiles, other than that approved as part of this permission, shall be carried out without the prior grant of express planning permission.”

Officer report