Provision of 6 affordable (discounted market housing) dwellings, bio-disc treatment plant and use of existing access, 6 attached single garages.

Provision of 6 affordable (discounted market housing) dwellings, bio-disc treatment plant and use of existing access, 6 attached single garages.

Councillor MJ Fishley, one of the local ward members, noted that the 2003 housing needs survey identified a need for 18 dwellings and that only 6 of these had been provided through the previous application. She advised members that the application had the support of the Parish Council and that the 6 existing houses had all been allocated to local people. In summing up she added that she was aware that the applicant would be happy to offer a 40% market value discount and therefore moved the recommendation.

Councillor RH Smith, the other local ward member, addressed the reasons for refusal outlined in the Officer’s report. He felt that the housing needs survey identified a housing need in the area and therefore addressed the concerns outlined in paragraph one of the officer’s recommendation. He voiced his concern that Orcop Parish Council had not received support from the Council in their wish to conduct an up to date Housing Needs Survey. He also felt that the development would not detract from the character and appearance of the area and therefore did not feel that the application was contrary to Policies DR1 and H13 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan. In summing up he felt that the applicant had addressed the majority of the Officers concerns but felt that the 30% reduction in open market cost failed to quantify the development as affordable.

Councillor JG Jarvis felt that a section 106 agreement would have to be put in place for the development to ensure that the site would provide suitably designed affordable housing that would be allocated to local people in need of housing.

Following Councillor JG Jarvis’ comments, Councillor Smith moved that the application be approved subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to ensure that the houses were affordable in form of cost, standard and allocation.

Members discussed the application thoroughly and on balance felt that the application should be approved subject to a Section 106 agreement.

RESOLVED

The Southern Area Planning Sub-Committee is minded to approve the application subject to the conditions set out below (and any further conditions felt to be necessary by the Head of Planning Services) provided that the Head of Planning Services does not refer the application to the Planning Committee.

The Legal Practice Manager be authorised to complete a planning obligation agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 regarding affordable housing cost, standard, and allocation and any additional matters and terms as he considers appropriate.

If the Head of Planning Services does not refer the application to the Planning Committee, officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers be instructed to approve the application to such conditions referred to above.

[Note: Following the vote on this application, the Southern Team Leader advised that he would refer the decision to the Head of Planning and Transportation on the grounds that the proposal did not deliver affordable housing in accordance with the need identified in the Orcop Housing Needs Survey]