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The Local Review Body (LRB) of Aberdeen City Council met at the Town House 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 extension of a dormer to the front of 122 Ashgrove Road West, Aberdeen, Planning Reference 181676/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.

The Chairperson highlighted 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 LRB 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 regarding 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 19 December 2018; (3) links to the plans showing the proposal and planning notices referred to in the delegated report; and (4) the application and Notice of Review submitted by the applicant.

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 application site was a 1½ storey semi-detached dwelling, with associated front and rear garden. It was located in a predominantly residential area, zoned as H1 in the Aberdeen Local Development Plan. The property is located on the northern side of Ashgrove Road West, immediately opposite ‘Forest Grove House’, which formed part of the NHS estate at Foresterhill.

Mr Evans advised that the appointed officer’s report indicated that few of the dormers on neighbouring properties on Ashgrove Road have been enlarged or altered with one example at number 144 being identified, but it was noted that this was approved in 2009, prior to the adoption of current guidance.

In relation to the Appointed Officer’s reasons for refusal, Mr Evans intimated that it made reference to the following factors:-

·         Conflict with ‘Householder Development Guide’ Supplementary Guidance;

·         Would unbalance the roof slope;

·         Would be less than the required 600mm from roof edge;

·         Design would not be compatible with neighbour or surroundings;

·         Noted few examples of dormer extensions locally (1 predates current ALDP/SG); and

·         Potential for unwelcome precedent.

In relation to the appellant’s case, Mr Evans made reference to thesubmitted Notice of Review which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1.