Agenda item

(Councillor Lyons had left the room whilst the item was under consideration)

            The case officer outlined that the application was for alterations to the internal layout of 82 Eglantine Avenue, facilitating a new residential building consisting of 6 one bedroom apartments. She provided an overview of the site history and explained to the Members that a number of properties in the surrounding area had been granted extensions and alterations, including an extended rear return, and that demolition consents had been granted for the rear portions of buildings and the retention of front facades.

            She explained that the application had been assessed against the SPPS, Planning Policy Statement 3, 6, 7, Addendum to 7, DCAN 8 and 15, Malone Design Guide, Creating Places and Supplementary Guidance – Parking Standards. 

            She highlighted to the Committee that, under PPS 7 Policy QD1, proposed developments should respect the character of the site by way of an acceptable layout and should present an attractive outlook rather than unsightly views of back land areas.  She highlighted to the Committee that apartment 2 within the application would have a rear facing outlook to the communal amenity space and bin/storage area, with the lower half of the windows in the apartment proposed to be obscured to prevent overlooking by other residents while using the communal areas.  The Members were advised that this was contrary to policy QD1.

            The Members were advised that there had been fifteen objections, four of which had been received after the amended plans had been submitted. 

            The case officer outlined that, after assessment, the application had been deemed unacceptable and was recommended for refusal.

            The Committee received representation from Mr. D. Monaghan, planning consultant.  In relation to the outlook from the windows in apartment 2, he advised that a new, 800ft² garden would be created to the rear of the property, exceeding the size required under the relevant design guidance, Creating Places.  He explained that the view from the kitchen and living area from the apartment would look onto the garden.  In relation to privacy, he advised that the use of low-glare, reflective glazing on windows in apartment 2 would enable the residents to see out while preventing those in the communal areas from being able to see in.

            The Chairperson thanked Mr. Monaghan for his representation and he retired from the meeting.

            During discussion, the case officer explained that reflective glazing, as outlined, would not be sufficient as the Policy document stated that apartments should have a lively outlook and apartment 2 was wholly to the rear, with only a view of the garden and bin area.

Proposal

            Moved by Councillor Garrett, and

            Seconded by Councillor Magee,

      That the Committee agrees to defer consideration of the application in order to undertake a site visit to allow the Committee to acquaint itself with the location and the proposal at first hand and that additional information on reflective glazing be submitted to the next meeting.

            On a vote by show of hands five Members voted for the proposal and four against and it was declared carried.