Two-bedroom dwelling at Mayfield Road Cadet Hut, Ashbourne

What was proposed

The application sought to convert, extend and re-clad an existing building as a two-bedroom dwelling with an open-plan living area and terrace.

“Full planning permission is sought for the change of use, conversion and extension of the existing building to form a dwellinghouse. The dwelling is to have two bedrooms and will have an open plan kitchen/ dining/ living area. The building will be re-clad new cladding, and a timber terrace will be added, wrapping around the south and east elevations of the building.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The building lies behind Mayfield Road housing, near newly built homes, with access between two properties and within Ashbourne’s settlement boundary.

“Mayfield Road Cadet Hut is located off Mayfield Road, Ashbourne to the rear of the more traditional terrace housing on Mayfield Road and to the south-west of a newly constructed houses on the former Dove petrol station site. The access to the site is between 38 and 40 Mayfield Road.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the proposal acceptable in principle and subject to conditions addressing appearance, access, ecology, flooding, materials and trees.

“Within settlement boundaries Policy S3 allows development that:- is of a scale, density, layout and design that is compatible with the character, appearance and amenity of the part of the settlement in which it would be located, retains existing buildings that make a positive contribution to the area and the proposed access and parking provision is appropriate.”

“Subject to conditions securing further details/ samples of the exterior materials and finish, it is considered that the proposals would preserve the local character and appearance of the area in accordance with policies S4 and PD1 of the Adopted Derbyshire Dales Local Plan 2017.”

Officer report

The main disputed issue

A longstanding path crosses the site, and an application had been made to add it to the definitive map; permission would not itself authorise obstruction.

“Concerns have been raised with the application in respect to it preventing the use of a path. There is an established path to the rear of the application site which has been used by the public for many years to provide pedestrian access through to other parts of Ashbourne such as Henmore Brook. It is not known whether a public right of way exists over this path. It is acknowledged that this application will affect the use of this path.”

“In respect to this matter, the agent has confirmed that the applicants have also created an additional access point to the Nestle land and beyond via a field gate and stile to the northwest corner of the site. This will allow access by foot or vehicle at all times. The main access to the building will be set back to allow free movement to and from the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant spoke in support, while two local residents and a town councillor spoke against the application.

Members’ questions and debate

Members asked about the path, access, land ownership and possible conditions, then proposed deferral for further information about addressing the obstruction.

“Status of the path and access arrangements across the application site…”

“During debate Councillor Lees moved a motion to defer the application so that further information could be provided by the Applicant to show how concerns regarding the obstruction of the path will be addressed.”

Minutes

Why the application was deferred

The application was deferred so the applicant could provide further information showing alternative arrangements to address concerns about obstructing the path.

“That the Planning Application is deferred so that further information can be provided by the Applicant to show alternative arrangements to address concerns regarding the obstruction of the path.”

Minutes