House of Spice Devt Refused

AVDC refuses planning permission for the House of Spice conversion into dwellings

Here are the details:

AVDC has refused planning permission for the conversion of 19 Fort End, Haddenham (the 'House of Spice' building) to form seven dwellings, including the demolition of rear outbuilding, single storey rear lean-to element, single storey rear extension to east & porch and erection of replacement single storey rear lean-to extensions, external alterations, parking and amenity space.

AVDC's formal reasons for refusing the application are:

1. The proposed change of use of the restaurant to residential development would result in the loss of a food outlet, which is a much valued community facility within the village that would cause adverse harm by reason of its loss to the vibrancy of Haddenham as a sustainable settlement. The applicant has not demonstrated that the facility is no longer financially viable and that all reasonable steps have been taken to retain its present use and community value as a viable concern. The provision of housing as a benefit would not outweigh the significant and demonstrable adverse harm that would result from the loss of this food outlet and community facility. Therefore the proposal represents an unsustainable form of development that would have an unacceptable adverse impact on the community of Haddenham, contrary to policy HWS2 of the Haddenham Neighbourhood Plan and guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

2. Had the above not applied the Council would have sought a financial contribution towards off site leisure and recreation facilities in accordance with policies GP86 and GP88 of AVDLP.

3. Had the above not applied the Council would have sought a financial contribution towards education in accordance with GP94 of Aylesbury Vale District Local Plan.