Plans for extension and balcony near Lichfield 'unanimously approved' despite design concerns

Councillors questioned why a planning application had come before committee as proposals for an extension and balcony at a property in Drayton Bassett were unanimously approved. The property on the corner of Salts Lane and Drayton Lane were described as an ‘appropriate’ update to the building.

The proposal involved a single storey front extension, a rear extension and the installation of a first floor balcony. Additionally, the existing rear conservatory would be demolished and the front porch would be removed.

The application was heard by the planning committee due to an objection by local ward councillor, Brian Yates, along with concerns raised by the parish council. They claimed the plans were not in keeping with the conservation area and conflicted with planning policy.

Agent Ammaarah Siddique confirmed that the property was purchased to be used as a family home and meets all the planning policy requirements. He added that the scheme would likely be approved on appeal.

Councillor Ann Hughes said: “I’d like to just say that I think we should just accept the officer’s recommendation. It’s not clear to me why it came to the committee at all. It seems to be perfectly respectful and appropriate updating of a building which is pleasant enough but not of any high-quality and the objections have been shown to be unfounded.”

No statutory consultees objected to the plans. The conservation officer said that the building had been altered since it was first built and raised no concerns if a condition was added ensuring that materials and designs are approved by the council prior to work commencing.

Councillor Joe Powell called for the planning committee to remove permitted development rights on the property. He said: “The officers seem happy, the conservation officer is happy.

“However, based on previous experience I would like to suggest that if we say that this is ok, we withdraw permitted development rights from the future. So it means that if anything else happens there it has got to come back to us.”

However, a planning officer responded that removing the rights would not be ‘entirely reasonable’ and there are not a lot of permitted rights that can take place at the property.

Councillors on the planning committee at Lichfield District Council voted to unanimously approve the plans.