Agenda item

12.1  19C1207 – Pentowyn, Holyhead

12.2  19LPA1037/CC – 9a Peibio Close, Holyhead

12.1  19C1207 – Full application for the demolition of existing dwelling and garage together with the erection of replacement dwelling which includes a balcony and anew garage at Pentowyn, Holyhead

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee at the request of a Local Member.

Mr Tudur Thomas (for the proposal) said that Pentowyn has been empty since at least 2014 and following professional advice it was clear that the only practical and cost effective option was to demolish the existing dwelling and to build a replacement dwelling.  There has been no objection locally to the development and the Holyhead Town Council at its meeting held on 4 September, 2017 had no objection.  Following meeting with Planning Officers it was decided to reduce the size and design of the proposed dwelling resulting in a 20% reduction.  Pentowyn lies within a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and considerable thought to the design and siting has been undertaken to ensure that the proposal has no adverse visual impact to the locality. The proposed dwelling now will be finished with natural materials, slate, wooden cladding and stone. 

The Planning Development Manager said that the application is a full application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and its replacement with a new build dwelling.  The site is within the AONB and is adjacent to the Wales Coast Path. The original submitted plans have been amended and reduced in scale.  The first floor balcony on the north eastern gable of the proposed dwelling has now been replace with an attached garage, incorporating a terrace area as first floor level behind a slated roof.  As part of the amended scheme stonework has been proposed on part of the front elevation in association with painted smooth render and vertical cladding and natural slate is proposed to roof the dwelling. A hedge is also proposed along the boundary in order integrate well into the surroundings.  The AONB Officer has now submitted his comments as regard to the amended plans to reduce the footprint of the proposed dwelling he noted that the reduced scale of the development means that it will integrate better and will enhance the natural beauty of the area. 

Councillor Shaun Redmond said that the footprint of the proposed development is partly on the footprint of the current building and is located further back into the garden area; this is in conflict with planning policy TAN13 – Replacement Dwelling.  He also referred to the size of the proposed dwelling and the overlooking of an existing caravan park.  Whilst he appreciated that the size and design of the proposed dwelling has been reduced, the rear elevation will be 7.3 metres from the boundary of the  caravan site.  The SPG - Design generally requires a distance of 10.5 metres but these seems to be acceptable by the Planning Officer.  He questioned if this set a precedence for future developments by allowing the distance to be reduced?  The Planning Development Manager responded that as regard to the footprint of the proposed dwelling on the site, it is partly on the footprint of the current property.  It is considered that the proposed footprint will be an improvement as it will accommodate the plot better. As regard to setting a precedent with allowing a reduction in the distance between neighbouring boundaries she noted that the caravan park near the proposed dwelling is a touring caravan site and following consideration by the Planning Officer’s it is not considered that the reduced distance between the boundary will have an adverse effect on the amenities of the neighbouring property and does not constitute refusal.

Councillor John Griffith referred to the size of the proposed dwelling which has a total area of 252m2 compared to the existing dwelling of 137m2 and questioned if the garage was included within the total area of the site.  The Planning Development Manager responded that the garage is include in the total area of the site and an assessment has been carried out within the relevant policies which takes into account the size of the current dwelling.

Councillor Shaun Redmond said that he has looked at old maps of the area and it seemed that there is a public footpath near or going through the property of Pentowyn.  He questioned if there will be an application to redirect of remove the footpath.  The Planning Development Manager responded that no comments have been raised by the Highways Authority.

Councillor Vaughan Hughes proposed that the application be approved and Councillor Robin Williams seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in the written report.

12.2  19LPA1037/CC – Full application for change of use of existing building from community rooms into a dwelling at 9a Peibio Close, Holyhead

The application was presented to the Planning and Orders Committee as the application is made by the Council. 

The Planning Development Manager said that the proposal involves the change of use of the former single storey offices into residential dwelling.

Councillor Shaun Redmond proposed that the application be approved and Councillor Vaughan Hughes seconded the proposal.

It was RESOLVED to approve the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in the written report.