Erection of 2 no. two bedroom three persons flats and associated parking.

Erection of 2 no. two bedroom three persons flats and associated parking.

·       The following update was reported:

An e-mail had been received from Councillor GA Powell, a Local Ward Member and was summarised.  Councillor Powell felt unable to support the application ‘on the grounds of over intensification of housing in a small area, highway safety and visual impact.’

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr. Parfitt spoke in support of the application.

Councillor H Davies, a Local Ward Member, commented on the compact size of the site and did not feel that it had capacity for two flats.  She noted the demand for three bedroom houses and felt that consideration of the application should be deferred so that the proposal could be amended accordingly.

Councillor PJ Edwards, also a Local Ward Member, said that local residents had expressed concerns about anti-social behaviour in this area and many would welcome the redevelopment of the site.  He felt that, on balance, the proposal was acceptable having regard to problems experienced with the site and the need for affordable accommodation.

A number of members supported deferral to enable the type of building to be reconsidered and comments were made about the need for private amenity space.

Councillor AM Toon commented that the road network and open space provision in this area was better than in many recent estate developments and felt that the form of accommodation proposed would not be incongruous with the existing street scene.

The Team Leader - Central advised that deferral of the application to amend the scheme to a three-bedroom house would not be appropriate as this would result in a materially different proposal.  It was noted that the application should be refused if members did not consider the type of development to be acceptable.  However, he advised that the application complied with the relevant policies and a refusal of planning permission might not be sustainable on appeal.  He added that it was likely that a three-bedroom house would have a similar footprint to the proposal under consideration.

Councillor AT Oliver proposed that the application be refused as he felt that the building would have a detrimental impact on highway safety by compromising visibility on a severe bend, represented an over-intensive form of development, and because it lacked private amenity space for residents.

Councillor ACR Chappell noted the demand for affordable residential units and felt that is was an appropriate development for the site.

Councillor MAF Hubbard felt that the expert advice provided by the applicant and by officers, particularly in relation to affordable housing provision, had to be given due consideration and he supported the application.  He noted that the footprint of a three-bedroom house would not allow for any private amenity space either.

Councillor DB Wilcox noted that the Sub-Committee had to determine the application before it and did not feel that there were any defendable reasons for refusal in this instance.

Councillor Edwards felt that it would be better to redevelop this land for affordable housing than let it remain in a dilapidated state.  He noted that it would be difficult to satisfy all parties and he acknowledged the concerns of the objectors.

In view of the advice that a different form of accommodation would require an entirely separate application, the motion to defer consideration of the application was withdrawn.  A motion to refuse planning permission failed and the resolution below was then agreed.

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.      A07 (Development in accordance with approved plans).

         Reason: To ensure adherence to the approved plans in the interests of a satisfactory form of development.

3.      B02 (Matching external materials).

         Reason: To ensure the external materials harmonise with the existing building.

4.      F22 (No surface water to public sewer).

         Reason: To safeguard the public sewerage system and reduce the risk of surcharge flooding.

5.      H13 (Turning area and parking).

         Reason: In the interests of highway safety and to ensure the free flow of traffic using the adjoining highway.

6.      During the construction phase no machinery shall be operated, no process shall be carried out and no deliveries taken at or despatched from the site outside the following times: Monday - Friday 7.30 am - 6.00 pm, Saturday 8.00 am - 1.00 pm or at any time on Sundays, Bank or Public Holidays.

         Reason: To safeguard residential amenity.

Informatives:

1.      N01 - Access for all.

2.      N03 - Adjoining property rights.

3.      N04 - Rights of way.

4.      N14 - Party Wall Act 1996.

5.      All machinery and plant shall be operated and maintained in accordance with BS5228: 1997 'Noise Control of Construction and Open Sites'.

6.      N19 - Avoidance of doubt.

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