Contemporary self-build dwelling at The Coach House, Midford, Bath

What was proposed

The application sought to demolish the existing two-storey dwelling and replace it with a contemporary two-storey self-build dwelling.

“Planning permission is sought for the demolition of an existing two-storey dwelling, and replacement with a contemporary two-storey self-build dwelling. The site is located within the indicative setting of the Bath World Heritage Site, is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB),the Green Belt and the setting of a listed building, Midford Place (Grade II, 1984).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the replacement appropriate in the Green Belt and acceptable in landscape, heritage, ecology, residential amenity and sustainability terms.

“Local Plan policy GB1 seeks to preserve the visual amenities of the Green Belt. Officers consider the proposals would enable this, because of the size, scale, massing and materials being acceptable. This is also corroborated by the scheme being found acceptable in landscape terms.”

“The proposals represent an appropriate form of development in the Green Belt and have been found policy compliant in landscape, heritage, ecology and sustainability disciplines. Therefore, officers are recommending that the planning application be approved, subject to the conditions attached and legal agreement of secure the property as self-build.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council had no comment, while specialist consultees raised no objections subject to conditions and one general comment was received.

“South Stoke Parish Council: 'No comment to make on the application'.”

“1no. comment has been received which provides general commentary on the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The local councillor moved the officer recommendation, another councillor seconded it, and a councillor raised concerns about the proposed roof materials.

What members discussed

Members heard that the existing building lacked historic significance and that the replacement would be more suitable, sustainable and unobtrusive in the wider landscape.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. The existing building was not of historic interest or significance. 2. There was no requirement for a separate application for the demolition of the existing dwelling as the site was not in a conservation area.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to permit the application was carried by seven votes to two.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (7 in favour and 2 against).”

Minutes

The decision

Officers received delegated authority to permit the application after a self-build undertaking, subject to the report’s conditions.

“RESOLVED that officers be granted delegated authority to permit the application subject to: 1. the submission of a Section 106 Unilateral Undertaking to secure the property as a self-build dwelling. 2. the conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes