Agenda item

Outline application for 26 new dwellings with associated access and parking.

The Team Leader - Central and East, Sarah Eldridge 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 an outline application for 26 new dwellings with associated access and parking and was recommended for approval subject to conditions.  Members noted that the reference to the Durham City Local Plan on page 13 of the report was a typographical error and should have referred to the “Easington Local Plan”.

The Committee noted that there had been no objections from the internal and statutory consultees on the outline application, however, the Rights of Way Team had noted a right of way at the site, with the applicant having submitted an indicative plan that would accommodate the right of way.  The Committee noted 5 letters of objection from the members of the public and objections from the Parish Council, as set out within the report. 

The Team Leader - Central and East noted that Officers from the Highways Section were satisfied, subject to the conditions as set out, and that the approval would be subject to a s106 agreement in terms of securing 10% affordable housing, recreational equipment and a strategic programme in the Durham Heritage Coast Management Plan.

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

Councillor M Davinson referred to paragraph 44 of the report and asked for further explanation of the comments from Design and Conservation, “the application cannot be supported as the indicative proposed layout would not respect the established pattern of development”.  Councillor M Davinson also asked whether the issue highlighted as regards the public right of way was to be determined within this application or at the reserved matters stage with a further application.  The Team Leader - Central and East noted that the indicative plan showed a “uniform” development of properties, in contrast to the current properties at Little Thorpe that had been developed over time and which gave a degree of uniqueness.  It was added that the issues raised by Design and Conservation could be addressed at the reserved matters stage, as could issues in terms of the public right of way.

Councillor R Lumsdon noted she was delighted to see an application for a brownfield site and asked whether the Parish Council had objected to any diversion of the public right of way.  The Team Leader - Central and East noted that the applicant had put forward a suggested route, however, the usual process was that an applicant would look to secure planning permission then seek a diversion in respect of a right of way with the Rights of Way Team.

It was added that the Diversion process would offer the opportunity for the Parish Council, or any members of the public, to make representations.

Councillor P Conway noted the planning history of the site, with several approvals for permissions in the past for 10, 13 and 14 properties, and therefore asked whether 26 properties presented an issue in terms of density and whether the previous permissions having not been utilised was also an indication of an issue with the site.  The Team Leader - Central and East explained she did not have any specific reasons why previous permissions were not taken forward, but noted the context of the housing market and added that the density of the application was relatively low at 23 properties per hectare, less than the average of 30 per hectare, and was in character with the density of the existing properties in the area.

Councillor A Laing moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor P Conway.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the Section 106 Agreement and conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.