Erection of 2 detached custom/self-build dwelling houses.

Application approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The senior planning officer provided a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Lowder, local resident, spoke in objection to the application Mr Pratley, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the engagement between the applicant and local residents had not been sufficient and therefore a number of local objections remained to the proposal. It was understood that the proposed site would result in the loss of the allotments was which may not be a material consideration but would pose an adverse impact on the local community. The planning history associated with the site was a material consideration and it was noted that previous applications had been refused. Highway safety concerns regarding the application also persisted. Clarity was required as it was not felt that the neighbourhood development plan had been adhered to given the excessive size of the houses.  The results of the ecological report were questioned given that they appeared to be at odds with the experience of the local community; it was queried how the outcomes of the report could be challenged or questioned. The size of the proposed dwellings was not required within the local area; housing was required for first time buyers and elderly residents.

The committee debated the application. The following principal points were raised:

·       The size and scale of the houses were in-keeping with other properties in the area and the design of the buildings and the materials used would be sympathetic to the local area;

·       A query was raised regarding which trees would be retained on site;

·       The definition of the development as self build was queried; and

·       It was noted that the local parish council objected to the application.

The development manager provided the following clarification:

·       Condition 5, proposed in the report, provided for an arboricultural impact assessment to be undertaken prior to the commencement of the development;

·       The applicant would have an input into the design of the houses which would comply with the definition of self build or custom build development.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. In summary, she explained that concerns regarding traffic and access to the site persisted. It was not felt that the proposed development served the needs of the people of Cradley and it was queried whether the proposed houses were in an appropriate location.

Councillor Dave Davies proposed and Councillor Peter Hamblin seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:

1.   C01 – Time Limit for Commencement

The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36