Minister Appeal Decision

PA07-883 – Howstroke Developments Limited – ON APPEAL

I have considered the report, concur with the appointed person’s conclusions, and accept the recommendations that the appeals should be allowed. I have therefore directed that the Planning Committee’s decision to grant approval should be reversed, and that the application should be refused for the reason which is summarised in paragraph 28 of the report.

I have also noted that –

(a) all parties have agreed that there is no objection in principle to the development of the site for residential purposes; (b) the architect has endeavoured to respond to the reasons for refusal of previous applications; and that (c) many aspects of the proposal are satisfactory.

In these circumstances, I suggest that the architect should, if he is so minded, arrange to meet with the Director of Planning & Building Control to discuss how best to resolve the only outstanding issue – the effect of the proposal on the privacy and amenity of adjacent dwellings.

J.P. Shimm

Hon. John Shimmin, MHK, Minister.

17th December 2007.