6. Development Control 07/B/0041 and 07/B/0042 – Full Planning Application and Listed Building Consent Application – Conversion of garages to create 1 no dwelling; and 07/B/0081 – Conservation Area Consent Application – Demolition of outbuilding; 23 Castle Street, Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2LQ (i) Verbal representations were made by: Objector Mr Glennie, Ashlea Cottage, North Lane, Norham Parish Council Doug Ewart, Chairman, Norham Parish Council Applicant Chris White (agent) (ii) Notes of debate: Local residents were concerned by loss of outlook and light due to the increase in ridge height of the proposed new dwelling. The Parish Council also had concerns related to the principle of development on North Lane, which was a narrow lane with no footpath and where any on-street parking would restrict access. However, officers believed that the conversion would safeguard the conservation value of the outbuildings, whilst the provision of off-street parking via the reinstatement of a pend would prevent parking problems on North Lane. They pointed out that conversion of buildings within the conservation area which are considered to have distinct character and make a contribution to the historical setting of the area, is supported by the emerging Core Strategy framework. Officers did not consider that this development would set a precedent with regard to new build developments on other burgage plots. Members were concerned about parking arrangements and the impact on neighbouring properties, and requested a site visit to clarify these matters. DECISION: To defer the applications detailed above in order to carry out a site visit. 07/B/0089 – Full Planning Application – Conversion of existing storeroom into 2 no. holiday flats; 21-23 Main Street, Seahouses (i) Notes of debate: Following deferral of this application at the previous meeting of the Planning Committee for clarification of car parking arrangements, Members were assured that 24 hour parking was permitted in the off-street car park in the centre of Seahouses. DECISION: To grant Full Planning Approval to the application, subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report. 07/B/0149 – Amendment or Removal of Condition – Variation of condition 13 of p.p. ref 06/B/0754, to reduce non-occupancy period to one calendar month (presently two months); 07/B/0253 – Amendment or Removal of Condition – Proposed removal of condition 13 of p.p. ref 04/B/0221; and 07/B/0325 – Amendment or Removal of Condition – Proposed removal of condition 13 of p.p. ref 06/B/0754; The Haven, Beadnell, Chathill NE67 5AW (i) Verbal representations were made by: Applicant Julie Hunter, Ward Hadaway (agent) (ii) Notes of debate: Members were told of the Parish Council’s concerns regarding the alteration or removal of conditions imposed in the original planning permissions, but understood that removal of the restrictions would allow the houses to be sold as market housing which could therefore be available for permanent occupancy, although there would be nothing to prevent their purchase as second or holiday homes. Members also agreed that should the developer wish to build the houses as holiday homes, the condition restricting occupancy should be harmonised on both properties. DECISIONS: (i) 07/B/0149: To approve the application for variation of condition 13 of p.p. ref 06/B/0754, subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report; (ii) 07/B/0253: To approve the application to remove condition 13 of p.p. ref 04/B/0221, subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report; and (iii) 07/B/0325: To approve the application to remove condition 13 of p.p. ref 06/B/0754, subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report. 07/B/0382 – Full Planning Application: Retention of portacabin; North Sunderland and Seahouses Sports and Community Centre, Stone Close, Seahouses (i) Notes of debate: Members welcomed the provision of youth facilities in Seahouses, and accepted that objectors’ concerns were management issues rather than planning matters. However, Members decided that permission for the retention of the portacabin should be restricted to three years rather than five as recommended in the officer’s report, to ensure that the building was not allowed to deteriorate during the period of use. DECISION: To grant Full Planning Approval to the application, subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report, and with the time period in Condition b) reduced from five years to three years. 07/B/0512 – Listed Building Consent: Replacement of two missing hangers and one fractured hanger; The Union Chain Bridge, Berwick-upon-Tweed (i) Verbal representations were made by: Parish Council George Miller, Vice-Chair, Horncliffe Parish Council (ii) Notes of debate: Members welcomed repairs to the bridge which would lead to its re-opening as soon as possible, but stressed the need for a Conservation Management Plan as detailed in Condition 5, with a view to restoring this historic bridge prior to its 200th anniversary in 2020. Members also noted with satisfaction that the new hangers to be used in the repairs had been made locally. DECISIONS: (i) To grant Listed Building Consent to the application subject to the conditions detailed in the officer’s report; and (ii) to request that a press release be issued stating the Committee’s wish to see a full Conservation Management Plan agreed and implemented as soon as possible. |
