Minutes:
17.1 Councillor David Busby re-joined the meeting after the completion of application DC/19/01712 but before the commencement of DC/19/01530.
17.2 Item 4
Application DC/19/01530
Proposal Householder Planning Application – Erection of a single storey & two storey side extension.
Site Location WHATFIELD- The Old Rectory, Rectory Road, Whatfield, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 6QU
Applicant Mr and Mrs Mike & Jane Appleby
17.3 The Case Officer presented the application to the Committee outlining the proposal before Members, the layout of the site, the tabled papers before Members, and the Officer recommendation of refusal.
17.4 Members considered the representation from Jane Appleby who spoke as the Applicant.
17.5 The Applicant responded to Members’ questions on issues including: when the building was listed, and the reasons for the proposed changes to the property.
17.6 Councillor David Busby proposed that Members undertake a site visit. Councillor Stephen Plumb seconded the motion.
17.7 The motion was lost.
17.8 Members debated the application on the issues including: the age of the heritage asset and when amendments to the building had been made.
17.9 The Heritage Officer advised Members that the age of the building was not the only factor that was taken into account for the Heritage response and that there were no public benefits to the proposal before Members. The Planning Lawyer also advised Members that the age of the building was a live issue and was still being disputed between the applicant and the Heritage Team.
17.10 The Area Planning Manager advised Members that they should have special regards to safeguarding heritage assets and that substantial harm would mean that all the significance of the building was lost.
17.11 With the agreement of the Chair the applicant responded to some of the points that had been raised regarding the Heritage aspects of the proposal.
17.12 Members debated the application on the issues including: the harm to the heritage asset and the sustainability of the proposal with regards to demolishing part of the listed asset.
17.13 Councillor Melanie Barrett proposed that the application be refused as detailed in the officer recommendation. Councillor Lee Parker seconded the motion.
17.14 RESOLVED
That authority be delegated to the Acting Chief Planning Officer to refuse householder planning permission for the following reasons:
The proposed two- storey and single- storey extensions on the western elevation of The Old Rectory, following the demolition of the two-storey and a single-storey wings, are considered to be detrimental to the character, appearance and setting of the Grade II designated Heritage Asset. The proposed demolition of the two historic wings which contribute notably to the understanding of the evolution of the building, would not preserve the designated heritage asset. The harm which would result to the listed building significantly outweighs any public benefits that may be afforded to the proposal and there is not clear or convincing justification for this harm, which should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances. The application, therefore, does not meet the requirements of paragraphs 194 and 196 of the NPPF and Policy CN06 of the Babergh Local Plan (2006).
Supporting documents: