Agenda item

To determine the application.

Alison Hoffman presented the report to members.

Members asked officer’s the following questions:

·         Councillor Cornwell asked whether there are any changes to the parking arrangements for the property as he noticed an element of over parking at the location. Alison Hoffman stated that the existing garage is maintained at ground floor level and the level of accommodation changes and whether that will place further demands on parking is not known but the officer has not highlighted any particular issues with parking. Councillor Cornwell questioned whether an increase in the building does not therefore mean the requirement to increase the amount of parking. Alison Hoffman stated that the existing property is already four bedrooms, and it would take it into the requirement of three parking spaces and even an increase over and above the four bedrooms would still only require the three parking spaces which is in line with the Council’s parking standards.

·         Councillor Sutton stated that on page 78 of the officer’s report, it shows an area stating FF only and he questioned whether this is correct? Alison Hoffman clarified that this is an error, and the proposal is for a 2-storey extension. Councillor Sutton made reference to the parking concerns, and he stated that he always thought an extra bedroom would mean an extra parking space and he asked for confirmation on this point. Alison Hoffman confirmed that the parking standards are in two tiers and a four bedroomed dwelling parking requirement is three spaces. Councillor Sutton stated that there already appears to be a parking issue at the location and, in his opinion, the officer’s recommendation is correct. He added that he is confused with the recommendation made by Whittlesey Town Council as they have recommended for the application to be approved, however, they recommended refusal for the previous application at the site which was consequently withdrawn.

·         Councillor Mrs French stated that she agrees with the comments made by Councillor Sutton with regards to the concerns over parking. She added that it is a shame as it is a nice location and the house opposite is very nice, however, with the Civil Parking Enforcement scheme being brought in there are likely to be problems in the road.

·         Councillor Cornwell stated that once the civil parking enforcement rules coming into force then the vehicles will not be able to park on the footpath. He added that the plot is not large enough to facilitate the number of cars and he will support the officer’s recommendation.

Proposed by Councillor Sutton, seconded by Councillor Cornwell and agreed that the application be REFUSED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Mrs Mayor registered, under Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that she sits on Whittlesey Town Council’s Planning Committee, and therefore, took no part in the discussion and voting thereon)

(Councillor Miscandlon registered, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he is Chairman of Whittlesey Town Council’s Planning Committee, and took no part in the discussion and voting thereon)

(Councillor Benney left the Council Chamber following the determination of this item)