Dormers, garage and fencing at 5 Springfield Avenue, Plymouth

What was proposed

The application proposed a front dormer, side garage, boundary fence and enlarged rear dormer windows, with some other works permitted as development.

“Proposal Description Proposed front dormer, side garage, boundary fence and extension to rear dormer windows.”

“The proposed front dormer is approximately 8.7m wide, 1.85m high and 1.85m deep, with 3 white uPVC windows proposed. The rear dormer windows extension will see the dormer change from 1.67m in height, 6.1m in width and 1.67m in depth, to 2.38m in height, 8.69m in width and 2.38m in depth . This new rear dormer will have 3 uPVC windows. The loft conversion will encompass the removal of chimney stack on the principal elevation.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a detached bungalow on a corner plot beside Springfield Rise in the Plymstock Dunstone ward.

“Description of Site 5 Springfield Avenue is a detached bungalow in the Plymstock Dunstone ward of the city. The site is located on a corner plot with the adjacent Springfield Rise to its west.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended conditional approval because the proposal was considered acceptable in design, amenity, biodiversity, parking and climate terms.

“Amenity 10. Officers have considered the impact on neighbouring amenity against the guidance in the SPD and consider it acceptable. The new garage, dormers and fencing are not considered to give rise to any adverse impacts on neighbouring light, noise, outlook or privacy.”

“Climate Emergency Considerations 17. This Climate Emergency Planning Statement responds directly to the Climate Emergency declarations issued across Plymouth and South West Devon and identifies exactly what all new development should do to meet the challenge of climate change. It builds on existing planning policies set out within the Plymouth and South West Devon Joint Local Plan and its supplementary planning document, embraces new standards and proposes new requirements.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The garage, fencing and dormers were considered acceptable, with no adverse visual or neighbouring amenity impacts identified.

“Firstly, with a precedent set for front dormers on Bungalows along Springfield Avenue and the surrounding streets, whilst the windows will create some new vantage points looking into the houses opposite along the south side of Springfield Avenue, the harm on amenity from the front dormer is not considered to be substantial enough to warrant refusal. With no letter of representation received, this supports the provision of the front dormer.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Natural Infrastructure raised no principle objection subject to conditions, the highway authority objected over parking, and surface water disposal was accepted.

“Consultation Responses Natural Infrastructure - No in principle objections, subject to conditions including the provision of a bat and bird box.”

“Highway Authority - Objection due to loss of parking and lack of provision of parking.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Ethan Bell, the planning officer, presented the report.

The decision

The committee granted the application conditionally.

“Following discussions, the Committee agreed to grant the application conditionally.”

Minutes

The conditions

The permission required compliance with approved plans, commencement within three years and an enclosed bat and bird box before first use.

“The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years beginning from the date of this permission.”

“Prior to the first use of the development hereby approved, 1. no. enclosed bat and bird box will be constructed within the fabric of the site. Evidence of this box within the building is to be submitted and approved in writing to the Local Planning Authority.”

Officer report