Two dwellings at 12 Iles Lane, Knaresborough

What was proposed

The application sought permission to construct two dwellings on land at 12 Iles Lane, Knaresborough.

“The Assistant Director Planning, Community Development Services sought determination of a planning application for the construction of two dwellings on land at 12 Iles Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 8DY.”

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Site history

A previous application was refused in 2021 because of the loss of a boundary wall and the impact on trees.

“The Senior Planning Officer presented the report and highlighted the site’s location and description. Members were advised that a previous application for the site had been refused in 2021, with the reasons cited as the loss of a boundary wall and the impact on trees. A site visit had been undertaken by Members prior to the meeting.”

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Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval, with the application returning to committee if Historic England raised objections.

“The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the recommendation was for approval, but with the variation that should Historic England raise objections, the application would be referred back to the Committee.”

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Consultation concerns

Representations raised concerns about housing provision, heritage, ecology, the conservation area, the boundary wall and ponds.

“There was reference to the spaces being as important as the buildings in the conservation area; however, the character appraisal did not identify this land as being of any particular significance. • The regularisation of the stone boundary wall frontage, the officer clarified that this referred to the existing gatepost. Permission had been refused in the earlier application; however, this matter was considered incidental and was not part of the application before Members.”

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Who spoke

A councillor spoke against the application, and the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

What members discussed

Members discussed housing numbers, restoration, planting, access, the site’s character, Laurel trees and locally delivered biodiversity gain.

“Members queried why, given the shortage of building land supply, the site could not accommodate three or four houses. • It was queried how the area should be restored following construction works, particularly in relation to planting, and how they might influence any conditions attached to the application.”

“The Chair expressed concerns regarding access to the site, noting that the access currently passed the applicant’s residence and queried whether this access would remain protected in perpetuity should the applicant relocate. • The Chair sought clarification that the application would return to the Committee should Historic England raise any objections and that the site was classed as a green area.”

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The committee’s decision

Members minded to approve permission unanimously, subject to conditions, a legal agreement, Historic England confirmation and added biodiversity informatives.

“Councillor Mann proposed, and Councillor Broadbank seconded, that Members were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions listed at item 12 of the agenda pack, the prior completion of a S106 Agreement, written confirmation from Historic England that they have no objections to the proposal; and the additions of an informative requiring the removal of Laurel trees and the planting of species that promote greater biodiversity, and an informative to ensure that…”

“That Members were MINDED TO APPROVE planning permission subject to the conditions listed at item 12 of the agenda pack, the prior completion of a S106 Agreement, written confirmation from Historic England that they have no objections to the proposal; and the addition of an informative requiring the removal of Laurel trees and the planting of species that promote greater biodiversity, and an informative to ensure that any off-site Biodiversity Net Gain be secured as locally…”

Minutes