Agenda and minutes

The Local Review Body (LRB) of Aberdeen City Council met on this day to review the decision taken by an appointed officer under the Council’s Scheme of Delegation to refuse the request for planning permission for the proposed formation of straight gable and dormer windows to front and rear of 1 Northcote Crescent Aberdeen, 170635.

Councillor Boulton as Chairperson gave a brief outline of the business to be undertaken.  She indicated that the LRB would be addressed by the Assistant Clerk, Mrs Lynsey McBain as regards the procedure to be followed and also, thereafter, by Mr Andrew Miller 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 hehad 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.

The Local Review Body was then addressed by Mrs McBain, Assistant Clerk in regards to 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.

In relation to the application, the LRB had before it (1) a delegated report by Ms Sheila Robertson, Planning Technician; (2) the decision notice dated 4 August 2017; (3) copies of the plans showing the proposal; (4) links to the planning policies referred to in the delegated report; and (5) the Notice of Review submitted by the applicant’s agent along with an accompanying statement.

The LRB was then addressed by Mr Miller who advised that the submitted Notice of Review was found to be valid and submitted within the relevant timeframes.

Mr Miller explained that the site that was subject to the review formed a semi-detached 1 and a half storey hipped roof house at the junction of Northcote Crescent with Northcote Avenue. The surrounding area was characterised by similar dwellings though to the east of Northcote Avenue were modern two storey houses.

Mr Miller advised thatthe application sought consent for the straightening of the hipped roof to form a gable wall, along with dormer windows to the front and rear of the house. The rear extension shown on the plans did not require planning permission as this was permitted development.

Mr Miller outlined thatthe request sought the review of the decision of the appointed officer to refuse the application under delegated powers and the stated reason for refusal was as follows:-  

The proposal is contrary to policy H1 of the ALDP as it fails to demonstrate due regard for the design and context of the streetscape, and would result in an unbalanced pair of semi-detached houses. Along with the dormers the proposals would also result in a top heavy, bulky overdominating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.