Four self-contained flats at Balfour House, Haughley, Stowmarket

What was proposed

The proposal would convert a former residential home into four self-contained flats, with six parking spaces and modest external changes.

“Development of Description Planning Application - Conversion of former Residential Home for people with a disability (C2) into 4 self-contained flats for residential use (C3). Location Balfour House, 20 Eve Balfour Way, Haughley, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 3NW…”

“Amended Details As a result of negotiation the proposal has been amended to increase off-street parking provision from 2 spaces to 6 spaces.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

Balfour House is a modern detached property in a mainly residential area, accessed from Windgap Lane with pedestrian access from Eve Balfour Way.

“Site and Surroundings 2.1. The property sits within predominantly modern (C20th) residential developments in the form of a mix of brick-built terraced/ semi-detached and detached, bungalows / single storey with dormered attic and two-storey dwellings. Balfour House is a modern large detached two storey brick-built property with a small garden and no retained on-site parking.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered extensions and adaptations to the residential home and a development including homes, a staffed group home and garages.

“REF: 2213/09 Extensions and adaptations to existing residential home DECISION: GRANTED 22.01.2010”

Officer report

Who addressed the committee

The case officer introduced the application and answered questions, a Governance Officer read a Ward Member statement, and the applicant answered a question.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed temporary accommodation, accommodation quality, reduced-mobility facilities, community location, sustainability and pedestrian access.

“Members debated the application on issues including: the need for temporary accommodation for residents in the district, the higher quality accommodation which would be provided by the development, the facilities provided for residents with reduced mobility, the benefits of being location in a community, the sustainability of the site, and the pedestrian access.”

“The Applicant responded to a question from Members regarding the turnover rate of residents and the management of grounds maintenance.”

Minutes

The vote

Councillor Elkin proposed approval, Councillor Overett seconded it, and the application was approved unanimously.

“Councillor Elkin proposed that the application be approved as detailed in the amended Officer recommendation.”

“Councillor Overett seconded the proposal.”

Minutes

The decision

Authority was delegated to the Chief Planning Officer to approve permission after satisfactory amended drawings covering parking, cycle parking and a gravel area.

“That authority be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer to APPROVE planning permission subject first to submission of satisfactory amended drawings showing adjusted parking space location (3-6), cycle parking provision, and area of gravel to be hard surface, and to the following conditions and informatives, and any other as may be deemed necessary by the Chief Planning Officer:”

Minutes