Agenda and minutes

The agenda and reports associated with this minute can be found at:-

http://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=284&MId=3673&Ver=4

The Local Review Body of Aberdeen City Council met this day to review the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to refuse two requests for planning permission.

Councillor Milne, as Chairperson, gave a brief outline of the business to be undertaken.  He indicated that the Local Review Body would be addressed by the Assistant Clerk, Mrs Stephanie Dunsmuir, as regards the procedure to be followed and also, thereafter, by Mr Paul Williamson, who would be acting as the Planning Adviser to the Body in the case under consideration this day.

The Chairperson stated that although the Planning Adviser 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.  He emphasised that the officer would not be asked to express any view on the proposed application.

The Local Review Body was then addressed by Mrs Dunsmuir as regards the procedure to be followed, at which time reference was made to the procedure note circulated with the papers calling the meeting and to certain more general aspects relating to the procedure.

Mr Williamson explained that the application which was the subject of the review was for the reinstatement of two basement flats to habitable studio apartments in relation to 73 Charlotte Street (Planning Reference 141535).  Mr Williamson advised that he had checked the submitted Notice of Review and had found it to be valid and submitted within the relevant timeframes.  He noted that the applicant had requested that the LRB undertake a site visit.

He explained that the property at 73 Charlotte Street was a three storey tenement style building split into six flats.  The building was constructed of granite rubble and had a slated roof with dormers on the front and rear elevation.  The rear basement elevation was exposed, with a 1.3m deep trench along its length and two window openings.  The rear garden of the property had been turned into a parking area, with only a small amount of amenity space which was enclosed by a low metal fence near the building.  Planning consent was sought for the conversion of the rearmost part of the basement to two two-roomed studio flats.  The resultant flats would be accessed from the existing rear door and would make use of the two existing windows in the rear elevation.  The accommodation would consist of a small living / sleeping / kitchen area with a separate bathroom.

In relation to documents which the members of the Local Review Body should consider, Mr Williamson outlined that all of the following documents were accessible via web links and available as set out in the papers:-

Development Plan – Aberdeen Local Development Plan (2012);  D1 (Architecture and Placemaking) – new development must be designed with due consideration for its context and make a positive contribution to its setting; D2 (Design and Amenity) – in order  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

The Local Review Body then considered the second request for a review.  The Chairperson advised that the LRB would now be addressed by Mr Gavin Evans and reminded members that Mr Evans 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.  Mr Evans would not be asked to express any view on the proposed application.

Mr Evans explained that the application which was the subject of the review was for alterations and an extension to form new office accommodation at 42 Albyn Place.  Mr Evans explained that he had checked the submitted Notice of Review and found it to be valid and submitted within the relevant timeframes.  He added that the applicant had asked that the LRB undertake a site visit.

Mr Evans explained that the site was located on the south side of Albyn Place, close to its junction with Queen’s Cross and comprised a detached 1½ storey granite building with a basement.  The front elevation had ornate granite features and there were four significant trees in the rear garden.  The site was located within the Albyn Place and Rubislaw Conservation Area.  Neighbouring the site was an ornate 2½ storey listed building and a 1½ storey office building, both of which had been extended.  Mr Evans explained that planning permission was sought for the construction of a three storey extension to the rear of the building and the conversion of the first floor residential flat to provide additional office accommodation.  The proposed extension would measure approximately 21.5m long by 12.5m, with a height of 9.5m.  The extension would be of a contemporary design and finished mostly in glass curtain walling on the side and rear elevations, with some areas of timber effect cladding and Chinese granite.  The link section between the existing building and the new office accommodation would be three storeys high.  It was also proposed to provide a car parking area comprising eight parking spaces within the rear of the site.

In relation to documents which the members of the Body should consider, Mr Evans outlined that all the following documents were accessible via web links, and available as set out in the papers:-

Development Plan – Aberdeen Local Development Plan (2012);  D1 (Architecture and Placemaking) – to ensure high standards of design, new developments must be designed with due consideration for context and make a positive contribution to its setting;  D5 (Built Heritage) – that proposals affecting listed buildings would only be permitted if they complied with Scottish Planning Policy; BI3 (West End Offices) – within the area, applications for change of use for office purposes would be given favourable consideration; and NE5 (Trees and Woodlands) – the presumption against all activities and development that would result in the loss of or damage to established trees and woodlands that contribute significantly to nature conservation, landscape character or local amenity, including ancient and semi-natural woodland which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.