Agenda item

Single storey rear extension.

SDNP/17/05519/FUL

Defer for negotiations and then delegate to officers.

SDNP/17/05520/LIS

Defer for negotiations and then delegate to officers.

The Chairman welcomed Mrs Pagano, Principal Conservation and Design Officer.

The following members of the public addressed the Committee:

·       Mr J Uphill – Graffham Parish Council

·       Mr P Bradley - Applicant

Mr Elliott was invited to share his reasons for issuing a red card.

In response to members comments and questions Mr Saunders highlighted (by the use of presentation slides) the current location of the functioning kitchen. He indicated the area adjacent to the kitchen that could be extended and explained that a further option would be to create a kitchen extension by amending the more modern lean-to which already houses the cooker and vent hood, and renovating this area instead. He clarified that the back of the building remained a highly significant feature of the Listed Building being a Georgian rear wing. It also has an important visual aspect being constructed of 18^th-century “chequer-board” red and blue brickwork, which is highly visible to customers due to the location of the car park. He confirmed that a number of unauthorised works had taken place to the back wall which were subject to ongoing enforcement action.

Mrs Pagano clarified that the officers are supportive of the use of the building as a public house but emphasised the importance of advance consideration and negotiation to find the best location for the kitchen extension. She confirmed that a number of the unauthorised works especially the grit-blasting of the original 400-year old timber beams had caused irreversible damage to the buildings heritage. Also, old casements were removed without consent and replaced which did not match the remaining Georgian windows (with Lambs’-tongue glazing bars).

Mr Saunders explained that unauthorised works at first floor also need to be applied for and resolved in order to make sense of why floor-space and doors for the pub were blocked off recently without consent.

The Committee discussed the harm caused by the current proposal to extend from the rear Georgian wall and the need for a compromise to be reached to ensure the proposed new works will respect the Listed Building’s features of special interest. Mrs Pagano explained that the owner should make good any unauthorised changes and submit amended plans, following further negotiation. If a revised plan is made this spring that avoids altering or harming sensitive features it is likely the case could be resolved and the pub could be reinstated for active use.

Mr Hayes proposed the application be deferred for negotiations to achieve a development that did not interfere with the rear historic Georgian wall (possibly by way of extension of the existing 20^th century lean-to) and then delegated to officers for decision.  This would allow for the applicant to address the committee’s concerns without causing unnecessary delay through a refusal and necessary resubmission. Mr Plowman seconded the proposal which was carried.

Mrs Golding confirmed that Mr Elliott would be required to withdraw his red card. Mr Elliott agreed.

SDNP/17/05519/FUL

Defer for negotiations and then delegate to officers.

SDNP/17/05520/LIS

Defer for negotiations and then delegate to officers.