Proposed two storey three bedroom dwelling house.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed two storey three bedroom dwelling house.)

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

With reference to a high-pressure fuel pipeline crossing the site she added that the location was mapped.  However, if it was found that this had been done incorrectly and had an impact on the siting of the dwelling the permission may need to be altered. This did not prevent the current application being considered. Any implications for the pipeline itself would be a civil matter between the applicant and the pipeline owners.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mrs K Hainge, a local resident, spoke in objection to the application.  Mrs E Garner, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor Hewitt, spoke on the application.

She made the following principal comments:

·        She highlighted the concerns that had been raised about the possible effect on the pipeline of heavy vehicles crossing the site operating during the construction phase.

·        The development would bring change to the relationship to the existing settlement but this did not appear to be of major significance.  However, she was concerned that the proposed dwelling would be extremely close to Brynglas almost to the point where it was like an extension to it.  This was not an issue at present given the family relationship between the owners of Brynglas and the prospective owners of the new development.  However, it could create an issue in the future if one of the properties were to be vacated.

·        The new building would compromise the amenity of Brynglas contrary to NDP policy 7.

·        Account should be taken of the cumulative planning impact. If similar developments were to take place along the length of the road this would have an adverse impact on the character of the neighbourhood.

·        Cusop had exceeded its minimum housing target by some 50%.  She was concerned about the capacity of services to cope.   She noted the pressures on parking at Clifford primary school and highway safety issues that had arisen as a consequence.

Because of personal circumstances the Parish Council had not been able to register a representative to speak at the meeting.  The local ward member read out a statement on the Parish Council’s behalf.  This requested that the application be rejected.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application the following principal points were made:

·        The site could accommodate the proposed dwelling.

·        There were 6 dwellings on the opposite side of the road.  The new dwelling would mean 5 dwellings facing those 6.

·        It would be preferable if the dwelling was not so close to Brynglas but the situation was not an impossible one.  Any future buyer would be able to decide whether the proximity was a deterrent to purchasing it.

·        Officers confirmed that the applicant would need to obtain a licence from the pipeline owner to undertake  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55