Issue - meetings

Details:

Retention of extension to garage to form garden room; flue

Public Participants:

Mr Davey – Objector.

Additional Representations:

None.

Comment:

Cllr Armstrong disclosed a non-pecuniary interest as a member of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council which had commented on the application.  He disclosed a further interest on the grounds that the objector was also a parish councillor and known to him in that capacity.  He concluded that there were no grounds under common law to prevent him from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

Cllrs D E Andrews and Holding both disclosed interests on the grounds that they knew the objector.  They each concluded that the degree of acquaintance was not sufficient to create any impression of bias and consequently there were no grounds under common law to prevent them from remaining in the meeting to speak and to vote.

The Committee noted that the installation of an alternative style of cowl to the flue had not reduced the smoke emissions that the neighbouring property owner reported.  As that property was in the path of the prevailing westerly wind, this would not be an infrequent occurrence, consequently prejudicing that property owners’ enjoyment of their house and garden.  In addition, the Committee considered that the development was visually obtrusive when viewed from the neighbouring property.

Decision:

Refused.

Reasons:

By reason of its siting, height and design, the proposed flue is visually intrusive and given its position in relation to the prevailing westerly wind causes unacceptable smoke pollution to the detriment of the amenities of the occupiers of the adjoining  property at 33 Heatherstone  Avenue. For this reason, the development is contrary to policies CS2 and CS5 of the Core Strategy for the New Forest District outside the National Park