Detached dwelling at Vicks Garage Guildenford, Burford

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing garage and building a detached dwelling with access, parking and associated works.

“Demolition of the existing building and the erection of a detached dwelling with access, parking and associated works. (amended plans)”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The vacant garage stood within Burford’s built-up area, the Conservation Area and the Cotswolds National Landscape.

“The application site relates to a vacant commercial garage building located within the built-up area of Burford along the road known as Guildenford which runs roughly North to South, parallel to the main High Street to the west of the site.”

“The site sits within both the Burford Conservation Area and the Cotswolds National Landscape (CNL), formerly known as the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the redesigned dwelling acceptable because it used a sustainable site, addressed earlier concerns and attracted no technical objections.

“The previous appeal (ref. APP/D3125/W/22/3302591) was dismissed on three grounds: harm to the character and appearance of the Burford Conservation Area and the setting of listed buildings, unjustified loss of an employment site, and inadequate amenity provision for both the existing and proposed dwellings. The current proposal has been comprehensively redesigned to address these concerns.”

“In the planning balance, the proposal represents a high-quality, policy-compliant redevelopment of a previously developed site, delivering a single dwelling in a sustainable location without giving rise to any identified harm. The scheme addresses all previous reasons for refusal and appeal dismissal and is therefore considered acceptable. Planning permission is recommended, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent spoke in favour, describing the design, marketing, amenity, access, parking and proposed ground-level works.

What members discussed

Members questioned excavation, foundations, construction impacts, access, parking and whether the construction arrangements could work on the small site.

“During deliberations Members posed the following questions:”

“Other questions raised referred to the construction management plan, and its ability to ensure that noise, dust and vibrations were minimised. There was some concern that the site was small and difficult to access, with parking being troublesome. Concern was also voiced that the plan may be unworkable. In response officers assured members that they would be as thorough as possible and that all bases would be covered.”

Minutes

The committee’s vote

The committee resolved to grant conditional planning permission in line with the officers’ recommendation and agreed an additional access condition.

“(i) Conditional planning permission be granted in line with officers recommendations…”

“(ii) The insertion of an additional condition regards the closing of the existing access be agreed. Applications Determined under Delegated Powers RESOLVED: That the applications determined under delegated powers be noted…”

Minutes