Storage buildings to dwelling at Former Dispensary, 29 Widey View, Plymouth

The site and its surroundings

The site contained buildings previously used for storage, accessed from Widey View and Briar Road and surrounded by residential properties.

“Description of Site The application site, Former Dispensary, 29 Widey View comprises of a collection of buildings most recently used for Storage (Class B8). Vehicular access to the site is via Widey View and Briar Road. The site is surrounded by residential properties along Higher Compton Road, Widey View and Briar Road.”

“The site is located within the Compton Ward of the city.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier proposal for four flats and two semi-detached houses was withdrawn.

“Relevant Planning History 18/00334/FUL - Demolition of existing buildings and erection of block of four flats and a pair of semi- detached houses (Application Withdrawn).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional approval, finding the proposal sustainable, accessible, suitably accommodated and not harmful overall to existing residents or the wider area.

“It is acknowledged that the LPA do not currently have a five-year housing land supply, however, in this instance no conflict has been identified against the development plan. The proposal is considered sustainable development, providing a new dwelling in an accessible location, close to services and facilities, providing a good standard of accommodation whilst not prejudicing the amenity of existing residents or the wider area.”

“Conclusions and Reasons for Decision Officers have taken account of the NPPF and S38(6) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and concluded that the proposal accords with policy and national guidance. The proposal is considered sustainable development, providing a new dwelling in a sustainable location, close to services and facilities, and providing an acceptable standard of accommodation whilst, on balance, not prejudicing the amenity of existing residents.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, public protection, economic development, natural infrastructure and flood authorities raised no objections subject to conditions, while some consultees gave no response or comments.

“Public Protection Service - No objections subject to conditions.”

“Natural Infrastructure - No objections subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Concerns from residents

Objections focused on privacy, noise, character, traffic, parking, accessibility, infrastructure, construction impacts and possible protected species.

“- Location of windows resulting in a loss of privacy and amenity, including into garden space - A residential dwelling would intensify the use through continuous occupation, noise, light - Greater infrastructure demands - Not in-keeping with the character of the area - Increased noise levels during construction and occupation, there is currently no noise associated with the B8 use.”

“One ward councillor referral was received, raising the following issues: - Loss of privacy - Out of character with the neighbourhood - Conflict with the Joint Local Plan…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, and the ward councillor spoke to the committee.

The committee’s added safeguard

The committee agreed to approve the application with the report’s conditions and an additional construction Code of Practice addressing nuisance, working hours, traffic, dust and complaints.

“Following discussions, the Committee agreed to grant the application per the conditions set out in the report, subject to the following addition:”

“The development hereby permitted shall not commence until a Code of Practice for the site that outlines measures to prevent or control any nuisance arising from any work carried out has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, with such approval to be delegated to the Director of Strategic Planning and Infrastructure in consultation with ward councillors.”

Minutes