A PLAN for two-storey rear extension of a 19th century house has been approved by the borough council despite a recommendation to refuse from the planning officers.
The application, seeking to extend Plum Tree Cottage, in Summer Down Lane, Hannington, initially it received a recommendation for refusal from the planning officers who thought the proposed catslide roof would result in harm to the significance of the heritage asset.
The house is a notable building in the Hannington Conservation Area.
However, a development control committee that met on Wednesday, February 7, decided to approve the plans, saying dilapidated houses like this need to be brought up to standard so that families can live there.
The house was built approximately in 1840.
Martin Runcie of Whiterok Ltd, who is the main applicant, told the committee that the building had become dilapidated under the previous owner.
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He continued: “It was dilapidated to such an extent that it was only able to be sold at auction and no banks were able to offer a mortgage due to the condition. For the building to be suitable for a family living alongside modernisation additional space is required.”
Debating on the application, Cllr Nick Robinson said old cottages like Plum Tree need to be saved.
“These old cottages, if they are not upped to a standard where a family can live in them, they become completely unsustainable and that's what happened here,” Cllr Robinson said.
“It needs to be brought up to a standard where a family can live there, spend money on it and maintain it. If these houses haven't got a viable use, they're going to fall down.
“In extending it, I think it does preserve the building for the future.”
Cllr Graham Falconer echoed this sentiment and added that it doesn’t seem like the extensions can be seen from the road.
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However, Cllr Mike Bound, who represents the ward, said he doesn’t agree that the extension couldn’t be seen from the road.
“I will totally disagree to the argument that the extension will not be seen from the road. If you look from the south, the side of the building is going to be conspicuous.”
The committee eventually approved the plans, with one against and one abstention.
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