Agenda item

Residential development of 50 two and three bedroom 1 and 2 storey affordable dwellings for rent (Amended Plans).

The Planning Officer 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 residential development of 50 two and three bedroom 1 and 2 storey affordable dwellings for rent (amended plans) and was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

The Planning Officer explained that the site had contained a former library, community centre and car parking and was close to a local school and the centre of Esh Winning, with a good range of services within walking distance.  Members noted a bus stop was within the area of the application and that it was proposed that this would be relocated within the site.  Members were referred to trees that bordered the site that would be retained, with some smaller individual trees within the site being lost.  It was added that as the application site was slightly higher than the nearby The Wynds, the trees along Cemetery Road would also be retained.

Members were referred to a site plan which highlighted the different property types noting a number of bungalows backing onto The Wynds, with the remainder being 2 storey properties with 2 or 3 bedrooms.  Members noted a 1.8 metre high fence that would help protect the amenity of those properties at The Wynds and also that access to the site would be via Cemetery Road.  It was explained that the properties were of a fairly traditional design and that those in the area varied from Victorian properties through to some Local Authority housing.  Members noted that negotiations had resulted in windows to gable ends of some of the proposed properties to break up the elevations, on non-habitable rooms.  The planning Officer explained that the materials were similar to nearby properties, with red brick and black tiles, and buff brick with red tiles.

The Planning Officer noted no objections from statutory and internal consultees, with the Highways Section noting the work on parking, access and sight lines.  It was also noted there had been a lot of work undertaken in terms of landscape design, including retaining trees.  It was explained that there had been 4 letters of representation from local residents, citing concerns in terms of drainage at the site.  It was noted that Northumbrian Water and the Council’s Drainage Officer had no objections to the application.  It was added the objections also included a desire to retain more trees at the site, some objections in terms of wanting more trees to be removed from the site, with the balanced view taken by Officers that those trees with the most amenity benefit would be retained.

The Planning Officer noted that the development represented part brownfield, part greenfield development, however, it was noted that the central location and site layout meant the development would be sustainable and not affect residential amenity.  It was added that separation distances as set out by saved Local Plan Policy Q8 were met and the 100% affordable housing was greater than the 20% requirement.  Members noted bat boxes on the site were found to be empty, and would be relocated to nearby trees.

The Planning Officer noted that the recommendation was for Committee to be mindful to approve the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement in terms of securing the affordable housing and a financial contribution towards the provision and enhancements to sports provision and recreational areas in the locality.

The Planning Officer noted a number of proposed changes to the conditions set out within the report, including; a new materials schedule; amendment to condition 3 in terms of commencement and drainage schemes; deletion of condition 7 as Environmental Health have agreed these issues; and removal of “before development starts” in terms of condition 10.  It was added that these were to enable development as soon as possible allowing the developer to be able to access grants which needed to be secured prior to April.  It was noted that there were 2 new conditions proposed that: all parking regarding the development would be on the application site until an appropriate car parking management plan was submitted to the Local Authority; and that there would be no deliveries between 8.30 and 9.15 and 15.15 and 16.00 Monday to Friday, to avoid school start and finish times.

The Chairman thanked the Planning Officer and asked Mr A Moss of Ward Hadaway to speak on behalf of the applicant in relation to the Application.

Mr A Moss thanked the Chairman and reiterated the proposed changes to the conditions set out within the report, as explained by the Planning Officer.  He added that these changes were acceptable to the applicant but that in terms of a parking condition it had been envisaged that parking would be managed informally as the applicant would work to usual Health and Safety practices and therefore a condition was not necessary.  It was also noted that the applicant was a registered considerate constructor and therefore the condition as regard delivery times would also not necessarily be required.

The Chairman asked the Planning Officer for comments as regards the 2 additional proposed conditions.

The Planning Officer noted concern as regards the primary school opposite the site was the reason for the condition regarding site deliveries prior to details being supplied to the Local Authority and Officers felt those conditions were necessary.

The Chairman thanked the Planning Officer and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor B Moir noted he was delighted for a scheme such as this coming forward for affordable housing, and while the Local Members were not in attendance he could only assume they welcomed such development.  In terms of the proposed additional conditions, he noted that all Councillors would have had calls as regards developments that take place in their Divisions and that it was important to monitor and enforce where necessary to ensure safety.  Accordingly, Councillor B Moir proposed that the application be approved, subject to the legal agreement and the conditions within the report, as amended by the Planning Officer’s comments and the 2 additional conditions as stated.

Councillor A Bell noted he felt the design of the properties left a lot to be desired, however the boundary treatment and retention of trees was good.

Councillor B Moir moved that the application be approved; he was seconded by Councillor J Lethbridge.

RESOLVED

That the Committee was MINDED TO APPROVE the application, subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee, subject to the amendments and additional conditions as described by the Planning Officer.