URGENT ITEM
TUESDAY 20 MAY
2003
REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC
DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
TCP/19636E/P47/03 Demolition of
garage; construction of garage with workshop/store over (revised plans), 38 Victoria
Road, Cowes
Summary
To consider request from
applicant to deal with alterations at 38 Victoria Road as a minor
amendment to the approved
scheme.
Planning application seeking consent for the
demolition of garage; construction of garage with workshop/store over which was
approved with conditions on the 21/02/03.
The
owner of a neighbouring property in Victoria Road alleged that work was not
being carried out in accordance with the approved plan. In particular, it was considered that the one double
garage door and the two velux windows in the front elevation
(NW) were incorrect.
An
inspection of the site was carried out by the Commencement Officer who
requested an amended plan with regard to the development not being built in accordance
with the approved plan. The reason for
the departure from the approved plan is that the original proposed garage door
was inadequate to allow the applicant=s
vehicle to enter.
Applicant has now submitted an amended plan,
showing, one double garage door in place of the two single doors approved, and,
also two velux windows in the front elevation as opposed to one.
Letters have been sent to owners of properties
adjacent to the site advising them of the receipt of the amended plan and
inviting comments in this respect. One
letter has been received from the owner of the adjacent property in Victoria
Road, who originally approached the Local Authority with regard to the alleged
inaccuracies, raising the following issues:
The amendment of one double garage
door and two velux windows in the front
elevation (NW) as opposed to two
single garage doors and one velux window is
not in keeping with the Victorian
character of the area.
The
velux window which has been added is very close to the respective neighbours
property. When opened it may compromise
their privacy as anyone in the workshop may be able to look out of the side of
the window straight into their garden.
All
the rear windows of their property face the SW elevation of the new garage and
workshop.
None.
1. That the Committee formally agree that the
alterations to the scheme can be treated as a minor amendment to the approved
plan.
2. That the Committee decline the request to
treat the alterations to the scheme as a minor amendment, and require the
applicant to submit a formal planning application and advise that work on the
site should cease until that application is determined.
I consider that the discrepancies between the
approved plan and the development which has been commenced on site are minor
and will not have significant impact in terms of the effect on the amenities of
the neighbouring property, as the garage door now proposed is not out of scale
with the building=s proportions and any loss of privacy arising
from overlooking from the roof light, if opened, is not significant as to
warrant consideration under a fresh application.
Recommendation
That
the Committee formally agree that the alterations to the scheme can be treated
as a minor amendment to the approved plan.
ANDREW ASHCROFT
Head of Planning Services