Agenda item

Erection of 175 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping works

The Committee considered a report of the Principal Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of 175 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping works (for copy see file of Minutes).

A Inch, Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included photographs of the site. Members had visited the site that day and were familiar with the location and setting.

In presenting the report Members were advised of a late objection from a local resident whose concerns related to drainage and surface water flooding. The Planning Officer advised that the issues raised had been addressed in the report.

Councillor Gray asked if there were plans to improve the footpath from Burnhill Way between Sites N and O which was susceptible to flooding. The Principal Planning Officer responded that this was not part of the scheme and he was not aware of any proposed works to upgrade the footpath, however he would investigate and respond to the Member direct. 

Councillor Richardson advised that as with other new housing schemes he was concerned about the level of density of the development and also asked how many parking spaces would be allocated.

The Principal Planning Officer informed the Member that density levels between 30 and 50 were deemed appropriate when there was good access to facilities. At 46 the density of Site O was at the upper end of the normal range, however the proposed development had good footpath access to a range of local services and facilities, and excellent bus services.

With regard to parking provision the Highways Officer advised that the scheme proposed a total of 334 parking spaces and at 172% provision, was in excess of the 150% maximum contained in PPG.

In response to a request for clarification from Councillor Boyes regarding the comment in the report that the site was designated nature reserve, Members were advised that the nature reserve bordered the application site to the right of the development.

Following discussion it was Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.