Ann DeVecchi - Planning Application

[Brovion]

Very amusing - but I think we should leave it there. Lewes are our new neighbours and we may need their help in the future. Let bygones be bygones...

Yeah I think a few have that opinion - but I think you are only a tiny minority. The rest of us feel that we won't have had 'closure' until we've had revenge - and we don't care in what form it comes or how long we have to wait.

 

[Lady Whistledown]

Anyone willing to chain themselves to the solar panels in defense of the bats.

 

[Screaming J]

The LDC Planning Officer's Report to the Planning Applications Committee:-

http://www.lewes.gov.uk/CMISWebPublic/Binary.ashx?Document=2344

PARISH / WARD: Lewes / Lewes Priory
APPLICATION NUMBER: LW/09/1200
APPLICANTS NAME(S): Mr T De Vecchi
PROPOSAL: Listed Building Application for Installation of eight x photo-voltaic panels in roof valley on south facing roof slope
SITE ADDRESS: 47 Southover High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1HX
GRID REF: TQ 4109

1. SITE DESCRIPTION / PROPOSAL

1.1 The application property is a mid terraced house located on the northern side of Southover High Street. It was built during the early 19th century and is grade II listed.

1.2 The proposal is to install eight photovoltaic panels on the roof of the dwelling.

1.3 This application for listed building consent is being submitted to the Committee for the consideration as the application has been submitted by a serving Councillor.

2. RELEVANT POLICIES

LDLP: – ST03 – Design, Form and Setting of Development
LDLP: – H02 – Listed Buildings
LDLP: – H05 – Conservation Areas

3. PLANNING HISTORY

No relevant planning history.

4. REPRESENTATIONS FROM STANDARD CONSULTEES

Main Town Or Parish Council – Members welcomed the invisible location in the roof valley, non damaging fixtures and eco initiative.

Design & Conservation Officer – The proposed photo-voltaic panels would be hidden from view within the roof valley and will only be viewable from the small attic window of the adjacent property. It is therefore considered that the panels would have no visual impact on the character and appearance of the listed building or the conservation area. Additionally, the fixings for solar panels would have no impact on the fabric of the listed building.

It is therefore recommended that the application be approved.

5. REPRESENTATIONS FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS

5.1 123 representations were received (electronically), of which 121 raised objections to the application on the grounds of detrimental impact on the South Downs National Park, such panels would be out of place on a listed building, inappropriate and unsightly within the Conservation Area, negative visual impact, detrimental impact on heritage of the town, impact on bats through increased collisions with the roof.

5.2 Two letters of support (one from the direct neighbour) supporting the application as the panels would not be seen from the public domain, improved long term sustainability, wider environmental benefits, this technology should be actively encouraged.

6. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS

6.1 The roof of the dwelling consists of a pair of pitch roofs, aligned parallel to the road, and which form a hidden valley in the centre of the building. It is proposed to install the eight panels on the south facing slope of the rear of the two pitch roofs.

6.2 Each panel will measure 798 x 1580mm. They will be arranged in two lines of four, laid in a landscape orientation. They will be mounted and fixed to the existing roof using tile hangers which will support a mounting rail upon which the panels will sit. This will ensure that the mounting will not have any detrimental impact on the historic fabric of the building.

6.3 Due to the location of the panels within the valley at the centre of the roof the panels will not be visible from the public realm and therefore will not have any impact on the adjacent Conservation Area.

6.4 The site is located within the boundary of the designated South Downs National Park, which comes into effect on 31 March 2010. This designation is a material consideration in the determination of this application. The two main purposes of a national park are to conserve and enhance the Park’s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and to create opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of the Park’s special qualities. As the panels cannot be seen from the public realm it is not considered that either of these specific purposes would be prejudiced by the proposed development.

7. RECOMMENDATION

It is considered that the proposal would not have any detrimental impact on the Listed Building, Conservation Area or the wider South Downs National Park and therefore listed building consent should be granted.


Summary of reasons for decision and any relevant development plan policies/proposal:

It is considered that the proposal meets the aims and objectives of Local Plan Policy and respects the character of the building and the wider location, complying with Policies ST3, H2 and H5 of the Lewes District Local Plan.

Interesting that the above application for solar panels was recommended for approval by the Officers but the following one:-

Viva Lewes - The what's on guide

wasn't. I wonder if the name of the applicant had any influence

 

[pork pie]

Interesting that the above application for solar panels was recommended for approval by the Officers but the following one:-

Viva Lewes - The what's on guide

wasn't. I wonder if the name of the applicant had any influence

Typical of our local councils. However, they both got their permission by the looks of things - and to be fair, so they should.

 

[seagullsovergrimsby]

Typical of our local councils. However, they both got their permission by the looks of things - and to be fair, so they should.

But there should have been 2 public inquiries beforehand

 

[pork pie]

But there should have been 2 public inquiries beforehand

Well, obviously, and at very great expense to her personally!