Disputed bungalow plan for grounds of Doncaster village cottage approved

Councillors on Doncaster Council's planning committee unanimously voted in favour of the planned build behind Woodbine Cottage off High Street in Norton.

The application was approved in 2016 with conditions to restrict the dwelling to a single storey.

Maurice Blunt, a neighbour who lives near the proposed site, raised to his objections to councillors on Tuesday.

The resident raised concerns about the consultation process, flooding an invasion of privacy and the width of the access road.

He said: "The sale of the land will benefit someone who works in the civic office and she's worked here for years.

"We received no notification letters - you get the emails at the latest possible moment which leaves you very little time to comment on them, sometimes one day before the closing date.

"There is a conflict of interest in this case.

"It's been a very stressful time for my family these past couple of months and for my neighbours around me."

Planning agent Mick Clay spoke in support of the application.

"He said: "The roof will be a 25 degree slope with 1.2 metres of head room which means there will be no case for a loft conversion and windows will only be positioned to look skywards.

"We've really tried to work with the planning team to make sure that every one is happy with the current proposals."

In a report seen by councillors, planning officer Alicia Murray, said: "The proposal is felt to acceptable as the proposal would not cause significant harm to neighbouring amenity, trees, or highway safety.

"The dwelling would not cause significant detriment to the character of the area and has been carefully designed to make the best of a site constrained by trees and separation distances. The application is therefore recommended for approval."