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Agenda item

Construction of single storey extension and porch to house, conversion of existing garage to a self-contained holiday unit and construction of stables

 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gruffydd Williams

 

Link to Relevant Documents

Minutes:

Construction of a single-storey extension and porch to house, conversion of existing garage to a self-contained holiday unit and construction of stables

 

Attention was drawn to the additional observations submitted.

 

(a)       The Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting the proposal to construct a single-storey extension and porch to the house, convert the existing garage to a self-contained holiday unit and construct stables. It was noted that the site lies in the countryside within the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and within the Llŷn and Bardsey Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

 

          It was noted that the Mynydd Nefyn area characteristically has houses and associated buildings which are sparsely located within the area and are seen from a fairly vast area.  Without doubt, the area was visible in the landscape. Nevertheless, it was noted that, though the site was visible, this did not make every development unacceptable and if developments were of a suitable design and finish they could be acceptable. Many of the houses in Mynydd Nefyn have been painted white and it was therefore considered reasonable to impose a condition to agree on the finish of the external render for the extensions in the proposal in question.  Given its location, it was considered that white would be most suitable as this would ensure consistency with other houses in the surrounding area. The 'L' shaped stables would be located in the corner of the field with a clawdd towards the north and east and it was also intended to landscape around the stables. The proposal to dispose of the existing static caravan was also a substantial improvement to the site.

 

          Attention was drawn to the site's planning history and to a retrospective application (C09D/0039/42/LL) to retain a garage and change the use of part of field into residential use connected to the dwelling and retain a static caravan and shed on the land.  One of the reasons why the application had been refused on appeal was because the size and height of the garage as built created an unsatisfactory relationship between the garage and the dwelling house as a result of their close proximity. The Inspector had also considered that the proposal as a whole had an impact on the natural beauty of the AONB.  The roof level of the garage had been reduced after that and a further application (C10D/0183/42/LL) had been submitted and approved in order to extend the curtilage of the dwelling and build a new clawdd and retain a shed and caravan. The improvements had been shown in response to the Inspector's concerns on appeal.

 

          Considering all the relevant matters including local and national policies and guidance, and the observations received, the proposal was not unacceptable or contrary to the requirements of the relevant policies.

                          

(b)       Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following main points:-

·         They were grateful of the officers' support

·         They were new owners of Bryn Hyfryd

·         They accepted the objectors' observations but their intention was to improve the site and retain the character of the traditional cottage.

·         The size of the garage would not increase

·         The caravan would be removed entirely

·         The stables plan had been adapted and that it was intended to landscape by planting a hedge

 

(c)       The Local Member (who was a member of this Planning Committee) noted:

·            That he had called the application in before the Committee

·            That the priorities and principles of the AONB needed to be considered - concern

that the priority given to protecting and considering the natural beauty of the area was not adequate

·            Insensitive adaptations having an impact on the countryside

·            Accumulative impact of all the additions on the setting of the AONB

·            That several public footpaths passed the site

·            Disappointed that there had been no consultation with CADW

·            Town Council had refused the application

·            Needed to ensure that the situation was managed following the history of several application on the site in the past

 

(ch)   In response to the observations, the Development Control Manager noted that the adaptations to the garage had been implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Inspector and that control of the site had been realised.

 

          In response to a suggestion that the static caravan could return to the site, it was highlighted that it would be possible to impose a specific condition noting that permission would not be granted to place a caravan within the curtilage of the property and therefore the applicant would lose the right to re-site the caravan.

 

(d)       A proposal to undertake a site visit was made and seconded.

 

RESOLVED to arrange a site visit.

 

Supporting documents: