Eight dwellings amendments at Orchard Walls, Beech Avenue, Effingham

What was proposed

The application sought minor changes to approved plans and conditions, including landscaping, trees, parking, boundaries, materials, energy details and cycle storage.

“Location: Orchard Walls, Beech Avenue, Effingham, KT24 5PG Proposal: Application under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) for the variation of condition 2 (drawing numbers), 3 (external and roofing materials), 4 (energy statement), 7 (vehicle parking and turning areas), 9 (Construction Transport Management Plan), 11 (hard and soft landscaping scheme), 12 (Arboricultural Method Statement), 16 (retention of Beech Hedge adjacent to Beech Avenue…”

Officer report

The site and development

The site is on the corner of Beech Avenue and Beech Close and contains eight completed dwellings, several of which are occupied.

“Site description. The application site is situated on the corner of Beech Avenue and Beech Close. The site was inset from the Greenbelt and is adjacent to the Effingham Conservation Area and is within the 5km to 7km buffer zone of the Thames Water Basin Heath Special Protection Area.”

“The application site is a development of eight dwellings which has been completed and includes a number of properties that are occupied.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions and applications

Earlier permissions approved eight dwellings and later changes to Plot 3 and parking; applications for gates and an additional dwelling were refused or withdrawn.

“An application for the subdivision of Plot 8 to create an additional bungalow has been withdrawn by the applicant since the submission of the application. Plans for the inclusion of gates have also been removed from the submission following the previous refusal of this proposal.”

“23/P/00136 Variation of condition 2 (drawing numbers) of planning permission 21/P/02246 approved 05/08/2022 to reposition and construct new garage to Plot 3 and redistribute visitor car parking. Approve 21/03/2023 N/A”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the development was attractive, appropriately located and considered consistent with previous permissions and planning requirements.

“Key information The application is for consequential and minor changes to landscaping and other aspects of the original planning permission. Whilst the objections to retrospective nature of the submission are noted, this is not in itself a reason for refusal. The scheme has been completed during the course of the application and is now occupied. The development presents an attractive small development with a mix of dwelling types and attractive public realm.”

“Having considered the objections received alongside the changes officers consider that the proposals present an attractive and well-designed development in an appropriate location.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Highway Authority found no material highway safety impact, while the parish council objected to changes affecting the boundary, planting, gates and cycle storage.

“Statutory consultees County Highway Authority: The Highway Authority considers that the proposed variation of conditions will not have a material impact on highway safety. The previous conditions should be carried forward.”

“The Parish Council also objects to the proposed planting on the northern boundary up against the historic wall which is the boundary of the Conservation Area, shown on drawing 945-00-10-LS-005 (Soft Landscaping, Boundary Treatments and Hard Surfaces Layouts).”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Principal Planning Officer presented the application and explained its minor amendments, completed development, retained wall and withdrawn additional dwelling.

Committee discussion

No members wished to speak in debate before the Chair moved approval subject to the stated conditions and reasons.

“No Members wished to speak on the application in debate.”

“The Chair then moved the motion to approve application 24/P/00769, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report. The motion was seconded by Councillor Miah and was carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Application 24/P/00769 was approved subject to the conditions and reasons set out for the development.

“RESOLVED: That application 24/P/00769 be approved, subject to the conditions and reasons set out in the report.”

Minutes