Agenda item

Construction of 42 No. 2 and 3 bedroom affordable dwellings with associated infrastructure.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) gave a detailed presentation on the report relating to the abovementioned planning application, a copy 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 construction of 42 No. 2 and 3 bedroom affordable dwellings with associated infrastructure and was recommended for approval subject to conditions. 

Members were asked to note that the Applicant had submitted some information on various conditions and therefore it was suggested that this information could be considered by Officers alongside the progression of the S106 legal agreement and where necessary the conditions would be amended to reflect that.  Members noted that a previously refused application for this site had  also been dismissed on appeal by the Planning Inspector, however, it had been noted at that time that the site was suitable for development in principle.  Subsequent to this a further application had been submitted in July 2015 and development for 44 dwellings had been approved.  The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) explained that the application was a full planning application for 42 dwellings, 8 of which would be bungalows, 100% to be affordable rent properties managed by a registered housing provider.

The Committee noted no objections from statutory or internal consultees subject to conditions, and one letter of objection had been received, citing concern as regards traffic congestion, lack of infrastructure and lack of school places.  The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) reminded Members of the extant permission as regards 44 dwellings and highlighted that a development of 100% affordable rent properties was welcomed, though it was highlighted that the Authority could only stipulate 10% affordable, with the other 90% being on a voluntary basis by the developer.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) concluded by noting the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement to secure the provision of: affordable housing; a contribution towards the scheme to reduce the number of access points to Special Protection Areas as identified in the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership’s Business Plan 2014/15; and a contribution towards enhancement or provision of play facilities in the Shotton and South Hetton Electoral Division.

The Chairman thanked the Planning Team Leader (Central and East) and asked Mr A Willis, agent for the applicant, to speak in relation to the Application.

Mr A Willis thanked the Chairman and Committee for the opportunity to speak and noted he endorsed the report and recommendation made by Officers.  It was added that the applicant had worked hard with Officers from the Authority and the registered provider, and was more than happy to answer any questions Members may have. He said that anything which could be done on the conditions would be appreciated by his client.

The Chairman thanked Mr A Willis and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor S Iveson asked what affordable meant, what was the figure in terms of rent.  Councillor J Clark added that this was not the first time the application site had been considered and while highway concerns seemed to have been addressed, she was puzzled as regards the comments in terms of infrastructure and school places.  Councillor M Davinson noted the inclusion of bungalows was welcomed and asked as regards working hours during construction, given a number of properties nearby.

The Planning Team Leader (Central and East) noted that condition 10 set out a construction management plan and would need to be agreed with the Authority and this would take into account working hours during construction.

Councillor J Clarke noted it may have been useful to have consultation as regards the possibility of one of the bungalows being utilised by those with special needs, though the inclusion of a construction management plan within the conditions was welcomed.

Councillor A Bell asked as regards the queries raised in terms of infrastructure and the Planning Team Leader (Central and East) reiterated that the internal consultees had noted no issues in terms of infrastructure and capacity within the areas in terms of school places.

Councillor A Bell moved that the application be approved; he was seconded by Councillor K Shaw.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVEDsubject to the Section 106 Agreement, the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.