PRESENT
Councillors Gray, Dalzell, Gardiner, Lowe, McCulloch, Morris and Robertson
B Allen (Planning and Facilities Officer)
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received from Cllr Houghton (Business).
DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS’ INTERESTS
Cllr Gray declared a personal interest in application 21/2237M on the grounds of being a neighbour of the applicant.
Cllr McCulloch declared a personal interest in applications 21/2657T and 21/2807M, on the grounds of being known to the applicants.
Cllr Morris declared a personal interest in application 21/2856M on the grounds of being known to the applicants.
Cllr Gardiner declared a personal interest in applications, 21/2542M on the grounds of having spoken with a resident regarding the factual matters of the development, 21/2856M on the grounds of being a neighbour of the applicant, and 21/2309T and 21/2807M on the grounds of being known to the applicants.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A member of the public spoke in relation to application 20/4396M, stating the application takes into account previous comments and whilst is noted as having revised plans, it presents an entirely new design. The design is based on the approved footprint, and even though it is taller and bulkier than what has been approved it is more sympathetic to the area. Detailed plans should be requested due to the sketch plans being inaccurate and not showing a proposed rear dormer window for the north elevation. The resident went on to note the current planning breaches should be addressed prior to the application being approved, such as the hoarding and proposed boundary being pushed forward and enveloping some of the highway verge, stating the front boundary should be in line with the neighbouring properties. A garden plan also needs to be submitted which factors in attention towards the current trees on site.
A representative of the South Knutsford Residents Group spoke in relation to application 21/2779T stating the proposed group of protected trees is to be felled in order for a garden re-model. The representative noted this kind of application raises issues with the current registered tree protection orders and these should be updated by Cheshire East Tree Officers.
The representative went on to speak in relation to application 21/2397T stating the desire for Cheshire East Tree Officers to take a careful look at the proposal, as T3 is highlighted to be felled within this application but is included as part of another application in which it is to be protected.
The representative went on to speak in relation to application 21/2864M stating that the SKRG has no objection to the proposal but has concerns over the use of porous material and drainage noting the historic flooding near the River Lily area.
The representative went on to speak in relation to application 21/2681MM stating the previously approved application changes the front door of the property to Westfield Drive.
A member of the public spoke in relation to application 21/2807M, stating the applications design and access statement includes a lot of detail but the proposal is a little large and breaks up the symmetry of the existing building. The application claims there is no impact to the Legh Road Conservation Area because of the screening afforded by the trees, the building has its own architectural style, and this application seeks to break up the design of the building rather than compliment it. The member of public also notes application 21/2122T is a proposal to remove trees from the site so there is a likelihood the trees would not afford the suggested screen.
PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The working group discussed the applications detailed as follows:
| Application
Ref |
Address | Application Detail | Working Group Views | Comment to be Submitted
(determined by PFO) |
| 21/2488M | 23 Grove Park | Erection of double storey extension with internal reconfiguration to the side of the existing dwelling and creating new porch on the front elevation following the existing building line | No objection, subject to neighbours. | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments.
|
| 21/2482M | 3 Bracken Way | First floor dormer roof extension to both rear bedrooms | No objection, subject to neighbours, noting the feature dormer window seems out of place | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments.
|
| 21/2309T | Oakfield, 25 Leycester Road | Section 211 Notice
Tree works to various trees |
No objection, subject to the Tree Officer being satisfied and two replacement trees for each tree felled should be requested. | The council raises no objections subject to the Tree Officer being satisfied there is sufficient evidence to support the proposed felling, and requests that in granting consent that Cheshire East Council suggests/requests the applicant replant two suitable native species tree for each felled tree due to the declared climate emergency.
|
| 21/2336T | Oaklands, 35a Bexton Road | Tree works to lime tree to reduce lateral branches by 2.5m & crown thinning by 10% and to reduce crown of beech tree by 1.5-2m & thinning by 10% | No objection as husbandry, request work is completed outside nesting season. | The council raises no objections subject to the Tree Officer being satisfied and requests that in granting consent that Cheshire East Council requests the works are undertaken outside the nesting season.
|
| 21/2517M | 58 Blackhill Lane | Proposed side & rear extensions to ground & first floor. | No objection, subject to neighbours. | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments.
|
| 21/2122T | Bramley, Legh Road | Section 211 Notice
T1 Ash – Fell to ground to level due to proposed access widening works and it being a poor one sided specimen. T12 Lawson Cypress – Fell to ground level in order to provide more light to the garden, this is an edge tree and wont be missed from the group. T14 Western Red Cedar – Reduce height by approximately 4m to allow more light to the house and garden. T15 Holly – Fell to ground level to improve T14 (Western Red Cedar) T16 Lawson Cypress – Fell to ground level in order to provide more light to the garden, this is an edge tree and wont be missed from the group. T17 Lawson Cypress – Reduce height by approximately 4m to allow more light to the house and garden |
Objection over the lack of evidence regarding the proposed felling. There is no proposed replanting scheme. If approved request work is completed outside nesting season and two replacement trees for each tree felled should be planted.
|
The council OBJECTS on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to support the proposed felling and no replanting scheme has been included.
The council requests that if Cheshire East Council grants approval that it suggests/requests the works are undertaken outside the nesting season, and that the applicant replant two suitable native species tree for each felled tree due to the declared climate emergency. |
| 21/2234T | Lyngmell, Bexton Lane | T1-T2 Beech trees to have a crown reduction by up to 2m and crown thin of 20% and crown lift road side to 5m. T3 Oak tree remove crossing limbs up to 25m. T4 Lime tree to have a 20% crown thin and remove branches that are interfering with the phone cable. | No objection but request work is completed outside nesting season. | The council raises no objections, subject to the work being completed outside the bird nesting season, with the exception of the works relating immediately to the possible disruption to the phone cable which may be undertaken sooner.
|
| 21/2397T | 32 Carrwood | Tree works to two lime trees to reduce height by 4.5m & remove deadwood and fell one lime tree | Objection over the lack of evidence regarding the proposed felling. If approved request work is completed outside nesting season and two replacement trees for each tree felled should be planted.
|
The council OBJECTS on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to support the proposal.
Should the Tree Officer be minded to grant consent the council requests that Cheshire East Council suggests/requests the applicant plant two suitable native species replacement trees for each felled tree due to the declared climate emergency. |
| 21/2369M | Land at Parkgate Industrial Estate, Haig Road | Alternative Phase 2 detail for those approved under permission 19/5805M as amended by non material amendment approval 20/1834M
The erection of 1 no. unit for use Class B8 purposes with ancillary offices and 8 no. units for use Class B2, B8 and E(g) (iii) purposes all with access and servicing arrangements, car parking, landscaping and associated works. |
No objection, but noted concerns over the increased pressure of the infrastructure in the area which was considered as part of the previously approved application. | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments.
|
| 21/2676M | 1 Hillside Road | Part single storey, part 2 storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear. | No objection, subject to neighbours | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2657T | 4 Rockford Lodge | T1 Lime tree crown lift by 5m | Objection over the lack of evidence | The council OBJECTS on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to support the proposed work. |
| 21/2542M | 17 Sugar Pit Lane | Variation of Condition 2 on approval 20/4263M for two storey wrap around extension | Comment to ensure protection of privacy for neighbours | The council would like to request a condition that the window in the side elevation is fitted with obscured glass and any openings are above 1.8m, to avoid overlooking of the neighbouring property. |
| 21/1203M | Gate Mews, Chelford Road, Ollerton | Conversion of an existing single storey shooting range into a new residential property, including hard and soft landscaping, some tree removal and a newly surfaced access drive. (Renewal of Planning Permission 17/5045M) | Previous reporting documentation needs renewing. Unable to provide a comment without sufficient up-to-date evidence.
|
The council considers that this application cannot be considered until the supporting documentation is updated, noting that the ecological, wildlife and tree surveys are out of date. The council requests the planning authority require these be updated prior to making a decision.
There is no submitted replanting scheme and there is insufficient evidence to support the proposal.
The council requests that the trees proposed to be felled are to be retained or as a minimum considered for transplantation. |
| 20/4396M | The Owls, Legh Road | REVISED PLANS
Proposed construction of a self/custom build replacement dwelling |
Comment to reconsider a more formalised plan due to lack of detail and inconsistencies within the sketch drawings. | The council cannot fully consider this application due to insufficient information.
The council considers that proposal is an improvement on previous submissions, however there are inconsistencies and erroneous elements to the submitted sketch plans.
The council asks to be reconsulted after more detailed drawings and landscape plans are submitted, and any encroachment facilitated by the planting of trees beyond the site boundary is addressed to overcome neighbour concerns. |
| 21/2633T | Flat 1 Chellaston House, Toft Road | Works to 2 Lombardy Poplars, Silver Birch, Sycamore, Lime and Black Pine Trees | No objection, request work is completed outside nesting season. | The council raises no objections subject to the Tree Officer being satisfied but requests that in granting consent that Cheshire East Council requests the works are undertaken outside the nesting season. |
| 21/2654T | 4 Rockford Lodge | Works to Lime Trees | Objection over the lack of evidence | The council OBJECTS on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to justify the proposed work. |
| 21/2693M | 27 Thorneyholme Drive | Non Material Amendment to 20/5714M – Two storey rear extension | No objection, subject to neighbours | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2741T | The Firs, Parkfield Road | Works to trees | No objection, request work is completed outside nesting season. | The council raises no objections subject to the Tree Officer being satisfied but requests that in granting consent that Cheshire East Council requests the works are undertaken outside the nesting season. |
| 21/2779T | Moseley Hall Lodge, 75 Chelford Road | My client wishes to remove the following seven trees: T3 Oak, T4 Birch, T5 Beech, T6 Holly, T7 Beech, T8 Sycamore & T9 Beech. The reasons are for re-grading and re-landscaping of the garden, to improve the usage of the garden and provide more light to he house and garden. A landscape scheme has been produced, which includes forty-one new trees. Please see attached letter for more details of the application. | Objection over the lack of evidence | The council strongly OBJECTS on the grounds that there is insufficient evidence to support the proposed felling.
Additionally, the council notes the proposed 8 Oak and Beech trees to be planted, and request all 45 of the proposed trees to be planted are of a similar native broadleaf species. |
| 21/2675M | 4 Cranford Avenue | Side facing single storey extension | No objection, subject to neighbours | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2856M | 4 Queen Street | Erection of a single storey porch/conservatory extension to rear/side. | No objection, subject to neighbours[1] | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2802M | 24 Glebelands Road | Porch extension for benefit of wheelchair user | No objections, in support of the proposal. | The council supports this application due to the benefits it will afford the resident of the property. |
| 21/2844M | 13 Parkgate | Single storey front and rear extensions to existing bungalow | No objection, subject to neighbours | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2807M | Bramley, Legh Road | Proposed extensions to dwelling, and replacement garage | Objection, the proposal alters character of the building and the conservation area. Can be seen from the road due to differing ground levels and would alter the street scene. | The council strongly OBJECTS on the grounds that the proposal fails to comply with Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan policies H3 and HE3 as follows:
· The proposal pays little regard to the form, style, and materials of the building. · The proposal alters the architectural symmetry, resulting in detrimental changes to the character of the building and the Legh Road Conservation Area. · The proposal suggests negligible effects on the street scene due to screening afforded by nearby trees, however application 21/2122T for the same site, seeks to remove some of the trees which will have a greater than negligible impact on views from the roadside. |
| 21/2864M | 1 Lilybrook Drive | Erection of a car port within the curtilage of a residential dwelling | No objections, comment on use of suitable materials and for the car port to remain ancillary to the dwelling. | The council raises no objections subject to neighbour comments and to the Planning Officer being satisfied the proposal employs the use of suitable permeable materials, or a suitable drainage scheme is submitted due to historic flooding in the area.
Additionally, the council requests that if in granting consent that Cheshire East Council requests the car port remain ancillary to the dwelling and only be used for residential purposes. |
| 20/5551M | 9 Lee Close | REVISED PLANS
Rear and side extension; dropped kerb to allow wider parking space at front |
No objections, subject to neighbour comment relating to obscure glass window towards the rear. | The council raises no objections subject to the Planning Officer being satisfied and the full consideration of neighbour comments regarding obscured glazing being fitted to the bathroom window to afford privacy. |
| 21/2681M | 31 Sandileigh Avenue | Variation of condition to existing permission 20/3420M; side and rear extension over 2 floors, new rear drive and drop curb (addition of porch) | Objection, does not overcome previous objections relating to overdevelopment of the site. | The council OBJECTS on the grounds that the proposal represents overdevelopment of the site and, whilst not within the conservation area, would result in detrimentally affecting the character of the Heathfield Square Conservation Area. It is considered that the addition constitutes further overdevelopment of the site. |
| 21/2930M | 5 Rockford Lodge | Single storey side extension & two storey front/side infill extension | No objection, subject to neighbours | The council raises no objections, subject to neighbour comments. |
| 21/2771M | Victoria House, Tatton Street | Advertisement consent for signage change from Laura Ashley frontage to Apus Peak frontage | Comment on signage size and materials. | The council raises no objections subject to the ‘A’ above the main sign being incorporated into the footprint of the existing signage/fascia.
The council raises concern that the materials are not listed as part of the proposal and request that the finish is not of a shiny or glossy material, and any illumination is only external. |
| 21/2720T | 2 Lodge Road | Tree works to fell Sycamore tree | No objections, subject to replanting. | The council raises no objections but requests that in granting consent that Cheshire East Council suggests/requests the applicant replant two suitable replacement native species tree for the felled tree due to the declared climate emergency. |
[1] Cllr Gardiner abstained from commenting on this application.
LICENSING APPLICATIONS
The working group discussed the licensing application for Majestic Wine Warehouses Ltd – 25-29 Canute Place, Knutsford, WA16 6BQ, and raised no objections to the application.
The working group noted the premises may have undergone some alterations and asked the Planning and Facilities Officer to contact Cheshire East Planning department to confirm if a new entrance has been made for the public to access the premises from the rear.