Issue - meetings

The Local Review Body then considered the second request for a review to evaluate the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to refuse the application for the formation of a dormer window to the front of the property at 108 Crown Street, Aberdeen, Planning Reference 181426/DPP.

The Chairperson advised that the LRB would again be addressed by Mr Gavin Evans and reminded Members that although Mr Evans was employed by the planning authority he had not been involved in any way with the consideration or determination of the application under review and was present to provide factual information and guidance to the Body only.  She emphasised that the officer would not be asked to express any view on the proposed application.

In relation to the application, the LRB had before it (1) a delegated report by Jane Forbes, Planner; (2) the application dated 9 August 2018; (3) the decision notice dated 2 May 2019 (4) links to the plans showing the proposal and planning policies referred to in the delegated report;  and (5) the Notice of Review submitted by the applicant along with an accompanying statement with further information relating to the application.

The LRB was then addressed by Mr Evans who advised that the review had been submitted with all necessary information within the time limit of three months following the decision of the appointed officer.

Mr Evans indicated that the applicant had indicated on the Notice of Review that no new matters, which were not before the appointed officer at the time of the original decision, had been raised in the review submission.

In terms of the procedure by which the review would be conducted, the applicant had stated satisfaction that the review may proceed to conclusion without further procedure being required (e.g. site visit, hearing etc).

Mr Evans proceeded by describing the site advising that it was located on the west side of Crown Street, between its junction with Dee Place and Academy Street.   The site comprised a category B listed, 2½ storey mid-terrace property with basement, as well as garden to the rear.  The site was located in an area zoned as residential within the Aberdeen City Local Development Plan, where policy H1 applies. In addition to residential properties, there were also hotels, guest houses, offices and shops. The property was situated within the Bon-Accord Crescent and Crown Street Conservation Area.

Mr Evans outlined the planning history of the property.

In terms of the Appointed Officer’s reasons for refusal, Mr Evans made reference to the following factors included within the Decision Notice:-

·         Acknowledged that the proposal largely accorded with Policy H1 (Residential Areas) of the Aberdeen City Local Development Plan, nevertheless considered that it would result in a negative visual impact arising from the introduction of a new dormer on a prominent roof slope, which would affect the roof symmetry and cause a degree of imbalance, causing the roof to appear overcrowded;

·         Failed to comply with Historic Environment Scotland’s  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3