The Mayor reviewed the options presented in the recommendations.

DECISION

1.    To pursue a more permissive approach to mansard roof extensions in the Driffield Road and Medway conservation areas by adopting the Revised Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines (Appendix 2A to the report) and the enhancement guidance documents (Appendix 2B to the report). 

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional Director, Building and Planning Control (O. Whalley)

(Place Shaping Team Leader (M. Ritchie)

Councillor Rachel Blake withdrew from the meeting for the duration of this item. Councillor Joshua Peck did the same after providing an update on the extent of his involvement in the issue to date.

The Mayor introduced the report, reminding the meeting that this followed on from a discussion of the issue at a previous Cabinet and that there had also been numerous discussions at other groups and meetings. He highlighted the preferred officer decision and also the alternative options available.

Tom Gill, local resident, addressed the meeting urging the Mayor to allow residents the ability to extend their homes to meet the needs of their families. He considered that the proposals were modest and that there were mitigation measures set out.

The Mayor also noted written objections that had been submitted that referenced the historic environment, suggested lack of public support and issues with divided properties amongst other points.

During discussion officers confirmed that, should the mayor agree the alternative proposal, they would need to set out a process for agreeing mitigation contributions. It was also noted that relations between different leaseholders were not planning matters.

The Mayor indicated that he was minded to agree the alternative recommendation to allow the additional rights to residents to extend their properties. He noted the objections raised but also the mitigation measures available.

The Mayor agreed the alternative option as listed in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To pursue a more permissive approach to mansard roof extensions in the Driffield Road and Medway conservation areas by adopting the Revised Character Appraisals and Management Guidelines (Appendix 2A to the report) and the enhancement guidance documents (Appendix 2B to the report).