Conversion of existing retirement residential home and self contained basement flat into Seven self contained flats/apartments.

Conversion of existing retirement residential home and self contained basement flat into seven self contained flats/apartments.

The Chairman congratulated the Principal Planning Officer for negotiating a reduction in the number of flats from nine to seven.

Councillor JD Woodward, a Local Ward Member, said that her primary concern related to the basement and this had now been addressed by reducing the accommodation on this level from two one-bed flats to one two-bed flat.  Councillor Woodward said that she still had concerns about traffic and parking problems in the locality but noted that the proposed scheme was likely to be the best that could be achieved for this particular site.

In response to a question, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the contribution amounts detailed in the Heads of Terms, attached to the report, were accurate.  Councillor Woodward asked for assurance that monies would be allocated to infrastructure improvements in the locality, rather than pooled into general funds, to ensure that local people benefited directly from such contributions.

Councillor PJ Edwards commented on traffic and parking problems and, noting that the Sub-Committee had expressed concerns about parking in this area at the last meeting, asked whether a response had been received from the Highways Department.  The Chairman advised that nothing had been received to date but a response would be sought.

A number of Members commented on the need for consultation with Ward Members about potential planning obligations at the earliest opportunity to ensure that local knowledge about community needs informed the terms of any agreement and to ensure that such sums were allocated for the purposes for which it was intended.  The Chairman noted that consideration needed to be given to this issue at a wider strategic level.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.      A01 (Time limit for commencement (full permission)).

         Reason: Required to be imposed by Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.      G09 (Details of Boundary treatments).

         Reason: In the interests of visual amenity, to ensure the development has an acceptable standard of privacy and to conform to Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

3.      H13 (Access, turning area and parking).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure the free flow of traffic using the adjoining highway and to conform with the requirements of Policy T11 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

4.      Before development commences, full details including scaled plans and/or structural details shall be submitted for the approval in writing of the local planning authority in order to maintain and/or enhance the structural integrity of the existing eastern boundary sufficient to support the construction of a new access drive.  The access drive and associated works to the boundary wall to include the removal of the existing ramp and steps shall be completed in accordance with the approved details prior to first occupation of the development hereby permitted.

Reason: To ensure the driveway is constructed to an appropriate standard and safeguard the amenity of neighbouring dwelling and comply with the requirements of Policies DR1 and DR3 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5.      H29 (Secure covered cycle parking provision).

         Reason: To ensure that there is adequate provision for secure cycle accommodation within the application site, encouraging alternative modes of transport in accordance with both local and national planning policy and to conform with the requirements of Policy DR3 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

6.      I42 (Scheme of refuse storage (residential)).

         Reason: In the interests of amenity and to comply with Policy DR4 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

7.      B07 (Section 106 Agreement).

Informatives:

1.      N02 - Section 106 Obligation.

2.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans.

3.      N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of PP/LBC/CAC.