04 May 2021 – Minutes
THAME TOWN COUNCIL
Minutes of a Meeting of the Planning & Environment Committee held on 4 May 2021 at 6:30pm by Zoom Conference Call.
Present:
Cllrs B Austin, P Cowell, M Deacock, A Dite (Deputy Chairman), D Dodds, L Emery, H Fickling (Chairman) and C Jones
Officers
G Markland, Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer
L Fuller, Committee Services Officer
1 Apologies for Absence
Apologies were received from Cllrs Midwinter (personal) and Wyse (personal).
All Members who were present were able to be seen and be heard.
2 Declarations of Interest and Dispensations
Cllr Emery declared an interest in planning applications P21/S1302/HH and P21/S1478/HH as a resident of the Chiltern Vale estate, however this was not a pecuniary interest and did not preclude her from voting or debating on these items.
3 Public Participation and Public Questions
Ms Laura Woolner spoke as the applicant for P21/S1210/HH – 17 Queens Road. The property, which the couple had purchased last year, had not been updated for 60 years and needed rewiring, plumbing works, and general improvements. In order to provide improved living standards and accommodate a growing family, a comprehensive overhaul of the property was proposed which included a two-storey extension and rear dormer. The high-quality design would respect surrounding properties. Several neighbouring properties on the terrace had undergone single, two-storey and dormer extensions to the rear of varying design. The properties were relatively uniform on the front elevation and therefore the existing glazed porch would be removed. Extensive consideration had been given to the design, which had taken inspiration from nearby rear extensions and would include brickwork, cladding and timber to create an interesting design. The single-storey rear extension would extend the width of the property and extend just beyond the existing building, whilst retaining a rear garden. At first floor the proposals will extend approximately 3m, which is similar to that of 21 Queens Road, windows will be of the same proportions to neighbouring properties, and the flat roof will ensure the extension sits comfortably within the built environment and mirrors that of 13 Queens Road. The box dormer will sit neatly within the roofline. Careful consideration had been given to the amenity and privacy of the immediate neighbours, with a sloped roof to reduce overbearingness and compliance with the 45degree rule. Pre-application discussions had taken place with the neighbours, who have since made a suggestion to use brickwork on the boundary elevations to improve their enjoyment of the proposals and reduce future maintenance. Finally, two parking spaces will be retained to the rear. Overall, the proposals would be an attractive, high quality addition to the building and a positive contribution to Thame whilst protecting neighbouring amenity.
A question was raised regarding the proposed Velux windows, and whether these would be clear or opaque, as to safeguard their privacy and that of their neighbours? Ms Woolner advised that they believed the angle of the windows would safeguard this, and that the windows would be a light source, but agreed to follow this up with their architect.
A question was raised with regards to the design choices, and whether they would be harmonious. Ms Woolner advised that the design had taken a lot of inspiration from the neighbouring extensions as well as personal preferences.
With regards to the neighbours, Ms Woolner advised that they were in ongoing discussions with them but, other than the comments mentioned earlier, no formal objection had been made. With regards to the additional living space, Ms Woolner advised that the extension was to accommodate a nursery and fourth bedroom.
Members then discussed and made a recommendation regarding planning application P21/S1210/HH.
4 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 6 April 2021 were approved and signed by the Chairman.
5 Planning Applications
1388 – GREENACRE, MORETON ROAD – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Proposed garden building.
P21/S0880/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
-
-
- Subject to the building not being used for residential accommodation and the use remaining ancillary to the dwelling in perpetuity.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, ENV1, DES6, DES8, H20
1393 – 16 ARNOLD WAY
Proposed single storey side/rear extension and proposed new front bay window extension.
P21/S1118/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ22, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, ENV1, TH1, DES6, DES8, H20
1394 – JEMMETTS COTTAGE, 4 OXFORD ROAD
Proposed sauna building. Proposed exercise pool building.
P21/S1242/HH
HAS A RESPONSE
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- Concern was raised regarding the lack of information relating to the noise, smell and drainage impacts on neighbouring amenity, and these matters should be satisfactorily addressed prior to any permission being granted.
- The application should be subject to the sauna and pool buildings serving a domestic use only.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ12, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3. DES5, DES7, ENV1, ENV6, ENV8, DES6, DES8, ENV12
1395 – ASM AUTO RECYCLING LTD, RYCOTE LANE
Erect new free standing advertisement.
P21/S1124/A
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- Subject to no objection from the County Highways Officer.
- Subject to an appropriate condition restricting the hours of illumination.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ21, ESDQ22
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, ENV1, TRANS5, DES8
1396 – 17 QUEENS ROAD
2-storey rear extension and single storey extension along with box dormer and removal of front porch.
P21/S1210/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
-
-
- Subject to the Velux rooflights safeguarding the privacy of the occupants of 17 Queens Road and the immediate neighbours.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES5, DES7, TRANS5, DES6, DES8, H20
1397 – 5A OXFORD ROAD
Single storey side extension comprising both pitched and flat roofs.
P21/S1238/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- Subject to the use remaining ancillary to the dwelling in perpetuity.
-
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ17
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES7, DES6, DES8, H20
1398 – 8 RUSHALL ROAD
Proposed garage conversion. Proposed single storey flat roof side & rear extension.
P21/S1241/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- The loss of the garage for its original purpose is regrettable.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ18, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, TRANS5, DES6, DES8, H20
1399 – 9 SYCAMORE DRIVE
Erect detached garage in front garden.
P21/S1302/HH
OBJECTS
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- Out of character of the area in disrupting the building line along Sycamore Drive
- Insufficient information on parking arrangements
- May set a precedent for other similar developments in the area
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES7, TRANS5, DES8, H20
1400 – 23 LANGDALE ROAD
Erection of single storey rear extension (retrospective).
P21/S0468/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, DES6, DES8, H20
1402 – 2 COOMBE HILL CRESCENT
2 storey side extension and single storey rear extension.
P21/S1291/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ21, ESDQ22, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: CF4, DES1, DES2, DES3, DES5, DES7, TRANS5, DES6, DES8, H20
1403 – HAWKSTONE, 50 QUEENS ROAD
Proposed garden office in the corner of the garden containing a small kitchen with a sink and a small toilet with a sink.
P21/S1148/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- Subject to the building not being used for residential accommodation and the use remaining ancillary to the dwelling in perpetuity.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: ESDQ16, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, DES6, DES8
1404 – OAKFIELD, THAME PARK ROAD
Application for the removal of an agricultural occupancy condition on applications P68/M720 and P69/M435.
P21/S1354/FUL
NO COMMENT
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H5, WS12, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ21, ESDQ22
SODC Local Plan Policies: EMP3, ENV1, TH1, H19
1405 – 58 & 60 CHINNOR ROAD
Front & Rear Extensions; Detached Garage; Pavement crossover. Replacement Front Porch to no.60.
P21/S1402/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- Subject to no objection from the County Highways Officer
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, TRANS5, DES6, DES8, H20
1406 – 35 CROFT ROAD
Proposed single storey side extension and fenestration alterations to existing house.
P21/S1426/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H7, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES5, DES7, DES6, DES8, H20
1407 – 23 HIGH STREET
Window replacement
P21/S1446/LB
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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- Subject to no objection from the District Conservation Officer and the works being carried out in the manner described in the application.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ26
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES7, ENV6, ENV7, ENV8, DES8
1408 – 26 PARK STREET
Erection of outbuilding
P21/S1480/HH
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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-
- Subject to the building not being used for residential accommodation and the use remaining ancillary to the dwelling in perpetuity.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ15, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ19, ESDQ20, ESDQ28
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES5, DES7, ENV6, ENV8, DES6, DES8
1409 – 2 CEDAR CRESCENT
Two storey rear extension.
P21/S1478/HH
SUPPORTS
Neighbourhood Plan Policies: H6, ESDQ16, ESDQ17, ESDQ18, ESDQ28, ESDQ29
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES3, DES5, DES7, DES6, DES8, H20
Cllr Fickling left the meeting during discussion of the next planning application. In her absence, Cllr Dite took over as Chairman for the remainder of the meeting. With the time approaching 7:30pm, it was proposed and agreed to suspend Standing Orders in order to conclude the remaining business on the agenda.
1411 – 3A WENMAN ROAD
Two elevation signs.
P21/S1476/A
SUPPORTS AND HAS A RESPONSE
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- Subject to the illumination of the fascia signs being restricted to the operational hours stated within in the application.
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Neighbourhood Plan Policies: WS13, ESDQ16, ESDQ18
SODC Local Plan Policies: DES1, DES2, DES7, DES6, DES8
6 Consultation – Proposed Disabled Persons Parking Places (DPPP)
Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) were consulting on the addition and removal of various DPPPs across the county. In Thame, two DPPPs were proposed – at Churchill Crescent and Edgehill. The committee raised no objections to the proposals.
7 Reports from Town Council Representatives
a) Transport Representative – in the absence of an appointed Transport Representative, Cllr Austin reported that the Town Council’s public transport working group had their inaugural meeting and were now devising a needs analysis survey, to be approved by the Town Council, using previously approved expenditure in General Reserves. OCC were more cooperative now and the group were working to determining the areas in Thame and their public transport needs.
Cllr Deacock reported that the Acting Town Clerk had circulated an email from County Cllr Carter confirming that the new bus route via Cromwell Avenue and Towersey Drive would be starting on 10 May 2021.
8 For Information
The items for information were noted.
Regarding Item 8d, Members were disappointed to see the approval this planning application against the committee’s recommendation.
Regarding Item 8e, the Neighbourhood Plan Continuity Officer advised that OCC had not commented on the application. The Town Council were hoping that their comments could be used as recent evidence of the District Council granting permissions against County Highways advice.
Regarding Item 8i, it was noted that the closing of Buttermarket to traffic would be beneficial to businesses, however this was a discussion for another time.
The meeting concluded at 7:43pm.
Signed …………………….
Chairman, 25 May 2021