Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004 - Stroud District Council

Planning Schedule Date: 10/08/2004
used as a Sanitorium until its demolition and it was here that George Orwell proof read the novel
'1984'.
The building has been deemed as not being of Listable standard despite its attractive windows.
The proposed conversion will create a detached three bedroom house after the removal of the
poor quality addditions. The proposal has been revised following Officer advice to be less
intrusive and to respect the character of the original building much more.
The proposal should be considered against Policies G1, T1 N6 B15 and 16 of the Stroud District
Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001).
Due to its position and size the building is not considered suitable for reuse for commercial or
business use. It is in an unsustainable location and the roads leading to the site are unsuitable to
cater for additional traffic. The building is therefore more suitable for residential use than any
other purpose. The proposal is therefore in accordance with Policy B16 of the Stroud District
Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001).
The poorer quality elements of the building are to be removed as part of the conversion scheme.
The remaining building is of permanent sound construction and alterations and rebuilding is fairly
minimal. The proposed conversion respects the style of the building and is in accordance with
Policy B16 of the Stroud District Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001).
To the front of the building is the Sawmill operative's cottage. There is however sufficient distance
between the two buildings to not result in a loss of amenity to either occupier. The proposal is
therefore also in accordance with Policy G1 of the Stroud District Local Plan Revised Deposit
Version (as amended June 2001).
The proposal has no landscape implications and will not only improve the appearance of the
building but its surrounding area. The proposal is therefore in accordance with Policy N6 of the
Stroud District Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001).
The property is however located in an unsustainable location, remote from facilities and public
transport routes. The proposal is therefore not in accordance with Policy T1 of the Stroud District
Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as amended June 2001).
Further attempts to improve the visibility at the access cannot be achieved without significant
loss of trees, which are not within the application site and would be detrimental to the appearance
of the area. In addition, the roads leading to the site are sub-standard. The proposal is therefore
not in accordance with Policy G5 of the Stroud District Local Plan Revised Deposit Version (as
amended June 2001).
Despite the conversion scheme for the building itself being acceptable the location of the building
makes the proposal unacceptable and therefore the application is recommended for refusal on
the grounds of highway safety and sustainability.
In compiling this recommendation we have given full consideration to all aspects of the Human
Rights Act 1998 in relation to the applicant and/or the occupiers of any neighbouring or affected
properties. In particular regard has been had to Article 8 of the ECHR (Right to Respect for
private and family life) and the requirement to ensure that any interference with the right in this
Article is both permissible and proportionate. On analysing the issues raised by the application no
particular matters, other than those referred to in this report, warranted any different action to that
recommended.
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