The latest planning applications decided in Daventry district

The committee approved all but one of the six applications it considered, and here’s a rundown of their decisions.

APPROVED: The Encampment, Brixworth Road, Spratton [retrospective]

The application was seeking retrospective permission for a change of use of land from agriculture to a working farm and education day care unit for animal management and horticultural use. The application had been called in by Councillor John Shepard due to ‘concerns that the proposal is for non-agricultural purposes’ and that it was ‘visually unattractive’. Nine objections were also lodged by neighbours, who felt it was in conflict with the Spratton Neighbourhood Plan and that access would be unsafe. In the end though, the committee voted it through by 11 votes to two.

APPROVED: Change of use to restaurant at 68 High Street, Daventry

The committee approved unanimously an application for a change of use for the former empty retail store to be converted into a new Turkish restaurant called Alacati. The application was submitted by the owners of the Mosaic Grill, which is currently having ‘leasing issues’ with its restaurant further down the High Street. Read about this application in more detail here.

APPROVED: Low Thatch, 29 High Street, Crick

The applicants had applied for the demolition of an existing extension and the construction of a larger single storey extension on the rear elevation of a Grade II listed building in Crick. Planning officers had recommended the scheme be refused as it was an ‘unduly large and incongruous addition to the listed cottage’. But the parish council supported the plans, saying it would not impact the street scene as it is situated at the rear of the property and ‘would not be visible from public spaces’. It proved a divisive application, but councillors narrowly waved through the application by one vote. Listed building consent was also agreed by the same margin.

REFUSED: Demolition of existing house and construction of five detached bungalows with associated parking at 15 Station Road, Long Buckby.

Proposals to demolish the existing dwelling and construct five detached bungalows and associated garages in its place were voted down by the narrowest of margins. The parish council objected, saying there was ‘an unsatisfactory relationship with the site and the surrounding environment’ and that it was an ‘over development’. With the vote tied at 7-7, the casting vote was down to the planning committee chairman Councillor Steve Osborne, who represents the Long Buckby ward.

APPROVED: Re-roofing of 68a High Street, Daventry

Councillors quickly agreed to delegate the scheme to officers for approval. This will allow re-roofing works to the first and second floors of the building by replacing the existing deteriorating felt roof.

APPROVED: 7 Jubilee Close, Long Buckby

Officers admitted this was an ‘unconventional’ proposal for a household extension that would be 0.75m higher than the original host dwelling. Despite objections from the parish council over the ‘mass and size’ – members agreed to approve the scheme.