Boundary and driveway changes at 10 The Meadows, Chesterfield

What was proposed

The application sought a new boundary treatment, ground-level changes, driveway widening, an additional parking space and landscaping.

“Planning permission is sought for a new boundary treatment and changes to ground levels and driveway widening. These works include the changing the land from visually appearing as part of a wide verge area of the wider estate’s amenity to the private enclosed garden of no.10.”

“The proposed close boarded wooden fence to the boundary would be sited 1.5m back from the pavement edge and would be no more than 1.6m in height when viewed from the ground level of the pavement. The area behind the fence to the side of the dwelling where the patio is proposed would then be reduced in height to the same finish floor level as the side elevation of the dwelling.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached two-storey house in a residential area, with an open front and side facing Barley Lane.

“This application relates to a detached two storey house within a residential area on a street called The Meadows, and the side of the site is facing on to Barley Lane.”

“The site has an open front/side, with a grass verge up to the side elevation of the dwelling, with the garden area to the rear of the dwelling only, which was demarked by the side fence adjoining the rear of the side elevation.”

Officer report

Site history

No relevant applications were recorded, and works had begun with landscaping cleared and significant engineering works underway.

“The work has commenced on site, with the clearance of the landscaping and significant engineering works occurring to the front/side of the property.”

“Site pre works commencing (google street view images):”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

The ward members had no objections, the highways authority had no objection subject to a condition, and three residents submitted eight objections.

“Highways Authority: No objection, subject to condition.”

“Representations: 8 comments were received from 3 residents. The reasons for objection were highway/pedestrian safety, potential damage to neighbouring drains, inclusion of a gate in plans which could cause damage to neighbouring dwelling, proposal against the character of area and scheme goes against restrictions in the deeds.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the amended scheme was considered suitable for the area and acceptable for neighbours, highway safety and biodiversity, subject to conditions.

“There have been several objections to the proposal, including the impact on the existing character of the area. The amended scheme is considered to be appropriate to its surroundings and would not cause significant adverse impacts on the visual amenity and character of the area subject to conditions to secure the landscaping proposed and finished land levels. As such the proposal is in accordance with the provisions of policy Local Plan policy CLP20.”

“The scheme would add an additional parking space to the front of the site and alter the land levels to reduce the angle of the spaces; this would make the garage unusable in the future. No information has been provided in regard to any changes to the garage or widening of the dropped kerb.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee, while the principal planner presented the report and proposal details.

What members considered

Members noted drainage and visibility concerns and considered adding a condition requiring visibility splays to remain free from obstructions over 0.6 metres.

“The Committee considered the report and recommendations within it and Councillors noted the representations received including the drainage and visibility concerns and the option of adding an additional condition to ensure that visibility spays are maintained with an additional condition as follows:”

“The visibility splays shown on plan no. T/25/02 Drawing 3, shall be free of any obstruction exceeding 0.6m in height and shall be retained as such thereafter.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee upheld the officer recommendation and granted permission with the additional visibility-splay condition and the report’s conditions.

“It was moved by Councillor Caulfield and seconded by Councillor Miles that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED subject to the additional condition on visibility splays (as detailed above) and conditions outlined in the Officer’s report.”

Minutes