The City of Ely Perspective planning scrutiny group regularly receives notifications from the East Cambridgeshire District Council (ECDC) of planning submissions made within the four wards of the city.

All new proposals are considered and those that may have some significant impact upon the character of the city are selected for a detailed review.

Since December 2015 the committee has met regularly in the ECDC Offices to review the selected submissions and, where necessary, comments are passed to the Council's Planning Department.

Whereas the City of Ely Perspective has a number of councillors within its membership, the planning committee excludes councillors and makes comments directly to the Planning Department.

For further information on any of the applications listed below click on the description to enter the ECDC planning site. To see the details click [Documents] and then click [View associated documents] then click on the document you wish to see then click [View].

11 January 2016

Ref. No.: 15/01368/FUL Three bed dwelling - Land Adjacent Fenview StRef untney Causeway Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
We consider that the architectural style of this proposed building is not appropriate on a major route into the City. We also have doubts about the wisdom of locating a domestic building within a flood plane.

Ref. No.: 15/01557/FUL Removal of 2x external spiral staircases, addition of new window in flank wall, addition of rooflight, alteration of escape doors to windows and other window alterations; replacement of vehicular and pedestrian gates; removal of 2 trees and hedge in rear garden; pruning of Highways tree in front garden. - 35 St Marys Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4HF

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 15/01417/F3M Residential development for 11 dwellings, with minor alterations to the existing vehicular and pedestrian access. - Land At Barton Road Car Park Barton Road Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
We are strongly opposed to the reduction of parking facilities in the city centre. This applies to facilities for cars, coaches and market traders. The population of Ely is growing and will need more parking facilities not less. A reduction in parking facilities is also likely to have an adverse effect on tourism. The proposed rear elevation, including the January amendment, is bland and is devoid of any elegance, interest or appeal.

Ref. No.: 15/01530/FUL Renovation of and alterations to existing ancillary building. - 34 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AZ

Comment:
We are concerned that raising the height of the roof ridge may set a precedent for neighbouring properties.

Ref. No.: 15/01526/FUL & Ref. No: 15/01525/LBC Part change of use from residential to educational - Powchers Hall The College Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4DL

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 15/01497/FUL Proposed single storey rear extension, attic extension and associated internal & external remodelling. - 44 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AZ

Comment:
We are puzzled as to why the two dormer windows in the South West elevation are not in line with the bricked up windows they replace.

Ref. No.: 15/01512/FUL Conversion and extension of existing garage to living accommodation, and provision of new single garage. - 44 John Amner Close Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1DT

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

8 February 2016

Ref. No.: 15/01606/FUL External seating area - Starbucks 3A The Cloisters Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4ZH

Comment:
We are not opposed to the external café culture but consider that the present proposal would impede pedestrian movement and the plan to provide 10 seats in a block should be reduced to a maximum of 6.

Ref. No.: 16/00066/FU3 Change of use from storage depot (class B8) to land for a car park (sui generis), with ground resurfacing and minor works and minor alterations to the existing vehicular access. - Council Depot Barton Road Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
This proposal had been withdrawn and thus the file was not reviewed.

Ref. No.: 16/00046/ADN 2x facia signs, 1x double sided hanging projector, & 1x staff information sign - Chequer Hall 6 Chequer Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4LN

Comment:
We consider that the new company name as emblazoned on the proposed main fascia does not sit well with the heritage setting. The use of lower case letters does nothing to diminish this concern.

Ref. No.: 16/00006/ADN Installation of new outdoor seating, 4 no. freestanding stainless steel banner posts and 2 no. Waitrose signage banners to the front of store and associated works. - Waitrose Ltd Brays Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4QJ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00006/ADN Outdoor Waitrose banners & stainless steel posts, 4No new stainless steel freestanding banner posts & 2No weather proof canvas banners - Waitrose Ltd Brays Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4QJ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

7 March 2016

Ref. No.: 16/00026/FUL Conversion or demolition of 3 No. Outbuildings (along with additions where applicable) to 3 No. Residential Dwelling Units, Parking Access and Site Works including demolition of outbuildings as indicated. - Site To East Of 43 - 53 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
We would prefer that the proposed building on Plot 3 be moved back from the river walk by a few metres. We consider that the proposed colours (black and brown) result in buildings that are dark and a little obtrusive. We acknowledge that at some future date the tree planting will mitigate against their conspicuous appearance but the shorter term needs to be considered.

Ref. No.: 16/00158/FUL Refurbishment and partial demolition of existing building to provide six residential townhouses and one residential flat over retained commercial unit. - 10 Forehill Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AF

Comment:
In general we support this proposal; however we would have liked to see an improvement to the ground floor façade of the shop front.

Ref. No.: 16/00176/ORN Change of use from former Red Cross Offices (Class B1a) to three residential properties comprising of two no. 2 bed cottages an 1 no. one bed bungalow (Class C3). - 19 West Fen Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AN

Comment:
We consider that adequate parking, within the site, needs to be provided for the proposed residents.

9 May 2016

Ref. No.: 16/00412/FUL Demolition of an existing cafe entrance and associated redundant outbuilding and construction of a new enlarged cafe and 3no. 1 bedroom flats and associated bin and cycle storage. - Land To The Rear 8 Forehill Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AF

Comment:
We are in favour of this proposed development which is situated adjacent to a main pedestrian access to the city centre; with the proviso that high quality materials are adopted.

Ref. No.: 16/00453/LBC Replacement windows - 78 And 80 St Marys Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4HH

Comment:
We would expect to see the same number of pains of glass in the replacement windows as are present in the existing, and that they are of a similar size.

Ref. No.: 16/00459/FUL Alterations to Shop Front - Brands 42 - 44 Market Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4LS

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00364/ADN New timber fascia board with timber moulded frame, 1no. new Digital Flank and new standard compliant manifestations to shopfront glazing - 19 High Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4LQ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00392/FUL Proposed new 3 bedroom house - Site Adjacent 30 And 32 Roswell View Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
The ground immediately adjacent to the proposed dwelling is usually waterlogged and often has a few inches depth of standing water present. It is hoped that any proposed development will take account of this factor.

Ref. No.: 16/00436/FUL Resubmission of previously approved 15/00218/FUL New external staircase to replace existing timber staircase to Cherry Hill Classroom Block - Kings School Barton Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4DB

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00448/FUL Proposed erection of link-detached one and half storey double garage with store and single storey utility room including the demolition of two existing single storey out-buildings - 80 Barton Road Ely CB7 4HZ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

10 June 2016

Ref. No.: 16/00615/FUL Proposed conversion of dwelling into 3No. flats - 5 Brays Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4QJ

Comment:
The most prominent feature of this submission is the stairway for which we could not find any details of the proposed materials and finishes.

Ref. No.: 16/00621/OUM Residential development for up to 19 houses and associated infrastructure on land adjacent to Twinwood Cottage, Lynn Road, Chettisham. - Land Off Lynn Road Chettisham Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1RY

Comment:
We hope that the indicative layout of cars in front of houses will not result in cars being the predominant visual element. We would also hope that consideration is given to wheelie bins to ensure that they do not have a visual impact.

Ref. No.: 16/00566/FUL Installation of portakabin for changing and welfare facilities, and cycle racks. - Land Between Hydro Works And River Kiln Lane Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00688/FUL Change of use to Property Management premises. - 51 Silver Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4JB

Comment:
We have no objection in principle to a change of use for this property, but this proposal includes prominent signage and might also include window displays similar to those at 48a St Mary’s Street, Ely. We consider this to be unacceptable in this residential area.

5 August 2016

Ref. No.: 16/00946/FUL Demolition of single storey outhouse, and part of 2 storey extension, and construction of new single storey extension. - 17 Silver Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4JF

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00890/FUL Conversion of existing dwelling to form 3 no. 2 bed dwellings including extension. - 48 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AZ

Comment:
We consider this to be an improvement to the street scene.

Ref. No.: 16/00873/FUL and Ref. No: 16/00874/LBC Changes to shop front, new dormer window and creation of terrace - 24 & 24A High Street Ely CB7 4JU

Comment:
Drawing 201 shows the new window to have mullions, but drawing 211 does not. We prefer to see mullions included in this window.

Ref. No.: 16/00860/FUL Loft conversion with roof light and Juliet balcony - 27 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AU

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00946/FUL Demolition of single storey outhouse, and part of 2 storey extension, and construction of new single storey extension. - 17 Silver Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4JF

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00946/FUL Conversion of existing dwelling to form 3 no. 2 bed dwellings including extension. - 48 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AZ

Comment:
We consider this to be an improvement to the street scene.

Ref. No.: 16/00873/FUL and Ref. No: 16/00874/LBC Changes to shop front, new dormer window and creation of terrace - 24 & 24A High Street Ely CB7 4JU

Comment:
Drawing 201 shows the new window to have mullions, but drawing 211 does not. We prefer to see mullions included in this window.

Ref. No.: 16/00860/FUL Loft conversion with roof light and Juliet balcony - 27 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AU

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

5 August 2016

Ref. No.: 16/01087/FUL Change of use for first floor ancillary retail space to two bed flat - 31 High Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4LQ

Comment:
Not being familiar with parts of the building we query whether access and fire escape provisions are adequate.

Ref. No.: 16/01101/FUL Proposed erection of bungalow & associated external works - 40A West Fen Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AL

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/01027/LBC Two storey rear extension with associated minor internal alterations and new staircase, new windows and fence around existing plant - The Royal Standard 24 Forehill Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AF

Comment:
We query the provision of an adequate fire escape route.

Ref. No.: 16/01060/PDR Replace flat roof on single storey existing element with pitched roof, internal alterations and demolition of existing garage and conservatory - 29 Hills Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AY

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/01042/FUL Proposed alteratons and additions - 26 Witchford Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 3DP

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00979/ADI Four illuminated business premises identification signs and six internally illuminated signs - Ely Leisure Village Downham Road Ely Cambridgeshire

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/00645/FUL Two storey side extension to replace single storey garage. - Crossways 47 Downham Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AQ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 16/01006/LBC Insertion of disabled persons lift, creation of disabled w.c and minor refurbishment - City Of Ely Council Sessions House Lynn Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4EG

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

14 December 2015

Ref. No.: 15/01412/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling together with the erection of a replacement four bed dwelling, garaging, parking and accociated site works - 47 Springhead Lane Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4QY

Comment:
We agree that the semi-rural site in Springhead Lane required sensitive, non-obtrusive development and our majority view was that the proposed facades were over fussy for this location.

Ref. No.: 15/01391/FUL Two storey extension and single storey replacement extension to rear of house. - 34 Waterside Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4AZ

Comment:
The combination of both pitched and flat roof to the ground floor extension is rather clumsy and should be reconsidered.

Ref. No.: 15/01359/FUL Demolition of side extension and alterations to property, including site frontage - 9 Barton Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4HZ

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 15/01433/ADI One new fascia sign and a projecting sign. - 3A The Cloisters Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4ZH

Comment:
Reviewed but no comment.

Ref. No.: 15/01361/FUL Two-storey extension to side and rear of residential property. - 52 Downham Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1BL

Comment:
File not available on 14/12/2015.

Ref. No.: 15/01369/FUL Replacement shopfront reverting it back to its original state. - Select (Retail) Plc 21 High Street Ely Cambridgeshire CB7 4LQ

Comment:
We consider this proposal to be an improvement.

Ref. No.: 15/01282/FUL Alma Cottage 47 West Fen Road Ely Cambridgeshire CB6 1AN

Comment:
Our concern relates to the difficult traffic problems on West Fen Road and consider that any development should address questions of road safety.