Agenda item

DCNC2008/1950/F AND DCNC2008/1951/C - LAND TO THE REAR OF BARGATES AND OFF WESTFIELD WALK, LEOMINSTER, HEREFORDSHIRE. (AGENDA ITEM 5)

Meeting of Northern Area Planning Sub-Committee, Wednesday 24 September 2008 2.00 pm (Item 52.)

Proposed demolition of garage blocks and erection of 10 houses, parking and improvements to access.

Minutes:

Proposed demolition of garage blocks and erection of 10 houses, parking and improvements to access.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Bland spoke in objection to the application and Mr Wolton, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

Councillor RC Hunt, the Local Ward Member, said that he supported the demolition of the garage blocks, but expressed some concern over the proposed housing development. He said that the current lack of parking capacity in Westfield Walk would only be exacerbated by the proposed development.

Councillor TM James asked for clarification on Council policy regarding density of developments within or close to town centres. He asked whether Members were aware of an amendment to the Unitary Development Plan that restricted density to fifty dwellings per hectare. The proposal before the sub-committee was for a density of fifty-eight units.

In response to Councillor James’ question, The Northern Area Team Leader said it was up to planning officers to demonstrate the potential harm to the neighbouring community if the density of a development exceeded fifty units per hectare.

To further clarify, the Principle Planning Officer said that this policy was written for sites of one hectare and above so would not apply in this instance.

In response to a question on affordable homes from Councillor LO Barnett, The Northern Area Team Leader said that provision for affordable homes was only a requirement for developments exceeding 15 dwellings. As the proposed development was for 10, no provision would be required.

Several members expressed concern that small-scale developments were not subject to rules regarding provision of affordable homes and requested that steps be taken in order to review the policy.

RESOLVED

In respect of DCNC2008/1950/F

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. B03 (Amended plans )

Reason: To ensure the development is carried out in accordance with the amended plans and to comply with the requirements of Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

3. B07 (Section 106 Agreement )

Reason: In order to provide [enhanced sustainable transport infrastructure, educational facilities, improved play space, public art, waste recycling and affordable housing] in accordance with Policy DR5 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan 2007.

4. C01 (Samples of external materials )

Reason: To ensure that the materials harmonise with the surroundings so as to ensure that the development complies with the requirements of Policy DR1 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

5. D04 (Details of window sections, eaves, verges and barge boards )

Reason: To ensure that the work is carried out in accordance with the details that are appropriate to the safeguarding of the Conservation Area and to comply with the requirements of Policy HBA1 and HBA3 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

6. D05 (Details of external joinery finishes )

7. 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.

8. G10 (Landscaping scheme )

Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to conform with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

9. G11 (Landscaping scheme - implementation )

Reason: In order to maintain the visual amenities of the area and to comply with Policy LA6 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

10. 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

11. H27 (Parking for site operatives )

Reason: To prevent indiscriminate parking in the interests of highway safety and to conform with the requirements of Policy DR3 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan

12. I16 (Restriction of hours during construction )

Reason: To protect the amenity of local residents and to comply with Policy DR13 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

13. I44 (No burning of materials/substances during construction phase )

Reason: To safeguard residential amenity and prevent pollution and to comply with Policy DR4 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

14. L01 (Foul/surface water drainage )

Reason: To protect the integrity of the public sewerage system and to comply with Policy CF2 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

15. L02 (No surface water to connect to public system )

Reason: To prevent hydraulic overloading of the public sewerage system, to protect the health and safety of existing residents and ensure no detriment to the environment so as to comply with Policy CF2 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

16. L03 (No drainage run-off to public system )

Reason: To prevent hydraulic overload of the public sewerage system and pollution of the environment so as to comply with Policy CF2 of Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

Informatives

1. N15 - Reason(s) for the Grant of Planning Permission

2. N19 - Avoidance of doubt - Approved Plans

3. HN01 - Mud on highway

4. HN04 - Private apparatus within highway

5. HN05 - Works within the highway

6. HN10 - No drainage to discharge to highway

7. HN16 - Sky glow

8. HN28 - Highways Design Guide and Specification

In respect of DCNC2008/1951/C