Lead Member: Councillor David Walker, Portfolio Holder for Planning

Lead Officer: Eddie West, Planning Policy & Strategy Manager

RESOLVED:

1.     To approve adoption of the Design of New Dwellings SPD (Appendix 1), to provide guidance on the application of Development Plan policies and to form a material consideration in the planning application decision-making process.

2.     To approve adoption of the Design of Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD (Appendix 2), to provide guidance on the application of Development Plan policies and to form a material consideration in the planning application decision-making process.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report seeking adoption of two Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) providing design guidance for new dwellings and for residential extensions and alterations. These had been informed by public consultation and would support applicants, communities and planning officers in interpreting existing design policies when determining planning applications, while remaining as guidance rather than policy.

During discussion, concerns were raised that overly prescriptive design guidance could affect viability, limit architectural creativity and create unnecessary barriers for householders seeking to extend or adapt their homes. In response, the Portfolio Holder and officers emphasised that the SPDs would not dictate design outcomes but provide a framework for achieving good design, with all planning applications continuing to be assessed on their individual merits. It was noted that the guidance would assist both applicants and decision-makers while allowing flexibility where justified by site-specific circumstances.

RESOLVED:

1.    To approve adoption of the Design of New Dwellings SPD (Appendix 1), to provide guidance on the application of Development Plan policies and to form a material consideration in the planning application decision-making process.

2.    To approve adoption of the Design of Residential Extensions and Alterations SPD (Appendix 2), to provide guidance on the application of Development Plan policies and to form a material consideration in the planning application decision-making process.