Agenda item

Demolition of existing former community centre and construction of 14 new build houses and associated footway and landscaping

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding the proposed demolition of existing former community centre and construction of 14 new build houses and associated footway and landscaping (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Senior Planning Officer provided a detailed presentation which included photographs of the site and plans of the proposed layout. Members had also visited the site the previous day and were familiar with the setting and surroundings.

It was reported that should the committee be minded to approve the application, condition 6 as listed within the report would no longer be required.

Councillor Simpson, local member, addressed the committee to put forward the views of residents. He advised that there were concerns amongst residents of Wood View that the development would lead to the displacement of cars and many residents would not be able to park outside their own properties. He therefore requested that consideration be given to turning the bungalows around and creating access points via Pine Street.

Councillor Hopgood added that it was clear that parking was the main issue with this development and queried the situation with resident and visitor parking bays. The Highways Officer provided clarification regarding the number of allocated and visitor parking bays highlighting that the proposed arrangements were the best fit for the site. It was acknowledged that although the provision was slightly under the recommended guidelines, it was not significant enough to refuse the application.

Further debate took place regarding the number of spaces to be provided and the potential displacement of existing resident parking. Councillor Kay added that he agreed with Councillor Hopgood and felt that the development could be of detriment to existing residents however noted that this was not a material planning consideration and with such MOVED that the application be approved subject to the conditions as listed within the report.

Councillor Hopgood also acknowledged that the issues outlined were not significant enough to refuse the application and with such SECONDED the proposal.

Councillor Shield added that he felt that further discussions could be undertaken with the developers to resolve the issue of car parking and accommodate those foreseen problems. He did however note that the development could be classed as brownfield infill and was happy to see low cost housing to be provided.

Following a vote being taken it was:-

Resolved: That the application be approved subject to the conditions as listed in the report.