Eight affordable flats at Garages Adjacent 13 To 23 Pollards, Maple Cross

“There are no significant land level changes within/adjacent to the site. Description of Proposed Development 3.1 Planning permission 23/1569/FUL granted consent for the ‘demolition of existing garages and erection of 3 storey (plus roof accommodation) block comprising eight 2 bed apartments with associated bin and bike storage, parking and landscaping works’.”

“They would be of brick construction to match the material proposed for the flats, the previously proposed green roofs to the refuse and cycle stores have been omitted due to fire safety considerations. To the front of the flats 8 car parking spaces are proposed, 4 to either side of the main entrance. A narrow planted buffer would be provided between the rear of the spaces and front elevation of the flats.”

“It was concluded that application 23/1569/FUL would make efficient use of previously developed land and that the proposed building would be of an appropriate form, scale and siting and subject to conditions (eg. materials) would not appear excessively prominent or result in demonstrable harm to the character or appearance of the area. It is proposed to provide 0.3m spacing between the rear of the building and the rear site boundary.”

“It is proposed to omit the green roof originally approved to the bin and bike store. It is understood that this is in order to comply with Building Regulations. Given the small scale of the structures the change is not considered to result in harm to character or appearance. In summary, the proposed changes are not considered to dilute or undermine the original grant of consent.”

“Concern regarding loss of green roof. • The loss could be rectified by requiring Swift bricks to be integrated into the walls of the new building instead. The original application had Swift bricks listed as an informative only, however, since that decision was made, Paragraph 187(d) of the 2024 NPPF and the 2025 NPPG have been updated and now make clear that the government expects Swift bricks to be required on new developments.”

“Officer comment: During the application additional information was provided in the form of hard and soft landscaping proposals. The hard landscaping proposals incorporate 3 no. Swift boxes. Site Notice: Posted 4.11.25 Expired 25.11.25 5 Reason for Delay 5.1 No delay.”

“The approved plans included recessed balconies to all flats across the ground, first and second floors, with the main elevations of those to the western end of the building facing the front and the main elevation of those to the eastern end of the building facing to the east (side).”

“A Committee Member commented that the proposal represented an improvement to the approved application.”

“Councillor Whately-Smith moved, and Councillor Drury seconded, that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. On being put to the vote this was carried unanimously.”

“RESOLVED: that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.”