Agenda item

Demolition of existing NHS Clinic and erection of 6 new dwellings with parking, boundary enclosures, landscaping and associated work (amended plan).

The Planning Officer, Susan Hyde gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, copies of which had been circulated (for copy see file of minutes).  Members noted that the written report was supplemented by a visual presentation which included photographs of the site.  The application was for demolition of the existing NHS clinic and erection of 6 new dwellings with parking, boundary enclosures, landscaping and associated work (amended plan) and was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The Committee noted that the application had been brought to Committee at the request of Councillor L Taylor, Local Member, as regards issues of the open space adjoining the site, with several trees on that area having Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) in place.  It was noted that subsequent to an amended plan being submitted, Councillor L Taylor and Wingate Parish Council had withdrawn their objections to the application.  The Planning Officer added that residents’ concerns had also included the issue of loss of amenity and parking access.  It was noted that the applicant had offered to gift the open space for retention by the Council as amenity land and that therefore the Committee would be mindful to agree, subject to a legal agreement for the transfer of this land.  Members also noted an addition condition in terms of no works being undertaken to demolish the existing clinic until a bat mitigation survey had been completed.

The Chairman noted there were no registered Speakers and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor B Moir noted he was delighted in terms of an application with parking provision incorporated in the design, together with the offer to gift the open space to the Local Authority.

Councillor B Moir moved that the application be approved; he was seconded by Councillor G Bleasdale.

RESOLVED

That the application be MINDED TO BE APPROVEDsubject to the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee, a legal agreement in terms of transfer of the amenity land to the Council, and an addition condition:

No development or demolition shall take place unless in strict accordance with the mitigation detailed in the bat risk report by V Howard.

Reason: To conserve protected species and their habitat in accordance with Policy 18 of the District of Easington Local Plan 2001.