Agenda and minutes

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

https://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=284&MId=6529&Ver=4

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 erection of a domestic double garage to the rear of 12 Albert Street, Aberdeen, 180201/DPP.

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 Gavin Evans 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 Mr Roy Brown, Planning Technician; (2) the decision notice dated 13 April 2018; (3) copies of the plans showing the proposal; (4) links to the planning policies referred to in the delegated report; (5) and the Notice of Review submitted by the applicant along with accompanying submissions.

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

Mr Evans explained that the site subject to the review was an early 19th century 1½ storey granite terraced building containing flats, along with associated garden grounds. The building is individually B-Listed, and forms part of a category A Group Listing along with the terrace of properties from 2-18 Albert Terrace. The site also lies within the Albyn Place/Rubislaw Conservation Area.  Mr Evans highlighted that a rear lane, Albert Walk, runs along the bottom of the feu, connecting Albert Terrace and Carden Place. A non-original section of boundary wall encloses the garden part of the site from a hard surfaces area onto the rear lane, which appeared to be used for the parking of cars. A  timber pass gate allows access to the garden from the lane/parking area.

Mr Evans indicated that the application sought permission for the construction of a double garage towards the rear of the site, which was set back aproximately 5.5m from the rear lane, allowing for the retention of the parking/driveway area adjacent to the lane. The proposed garage would be set in slightly (200mm at either side) from the existing boundary walls to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.

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 request for the partial removal of the boundary wall and installation of an electric gate and formation of driveway at 14 Forest Avenue Aberdeen, 180699/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 Ms Jacqui Thain, Planning Technician (2) the decision notice dated 12 July 2018; (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.

Mr Evans advised that the site subject to the review was a residential plot, incorporating a two storey semi-detached property of traditional granite character, along with associated garden grounds. The building lies at the junction of Forest Avenue and Annfield Terrace, within the Great Western Road Conservation Area, but is not listed.  Mr Evans explained there was no rear lane access to the property, however as it sits on a corner site, the granite boundary wall beyond its side elevation runs along Annfield Terrace.

Mr Evans explained that the planning application subject to review sought permission for the removal of a 4metre section of the existing boundary wall in order to form an access to the rear garden. New hard surfacing within the plot would allow for the parking of 3 vehicles, with the opening secured by a sliding gate formed in horizontal timber cladding within a galvanised steel frame.

Mr Evans 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 removal of part of the boundary wall, installation of an electronic gate and formation of hardstanding in order to accommodate three vehicles would be detrimental to the character and amenity of the surrounding area. The proposals have not been designed with due consideration for their context and would not respect the character, appearance and setting of the existing historic property, would be detrimental to its specific historic character and have an adverse impact on the overall historic environment and surrounding Conservation Area. The proposal therefore fails to comply with Scottish Planning Policy, Historic Environment Scotland's Policy Statement (HESPS), Policies H1: Residential Areas, D1: Quality Placemaking by Design, D4: Historic Environment and D5: Our Granite Heritage of the Aberdeen Local Development Plan. There are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.