Agenda item

Erection of 116 dwellings including associated infrastructure and landscaping.

The Senior Planning Officer, Graham Blakey 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 the erection of 116 dwellings including associated infrastructure and landscaping and was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Senior Planning Officer, G Blakey noted close walking distance to services from the site and good bus links to Easington, Peterlee and Sunderland.  It was explained that the site included the area of the former Parkside School, now demolished and some former Local Authority housing stock, also demolished.  Members noted the inclusion of a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) within the proposals and were referred to photographs showing the changes in level across the site and it was added that the woods were now of greater density than when the photograph was taken.  The Senior Planning Officer, G Blakey explained that there was an informal pathway leading through to other nearby sites and that this would be incorporated into the development.  It was added that in addition, the upgrading of footpaths would be sought in order to help protect the heritage coastline and mitigate impact.

The Senior Planning Officer, G Blakey noted that there had been no objections from the statutory consultees and an objection had been received from Sport England in terms of the loss of the former school playing field, however, it was added that the site had been closed for around 10 years.  It was added that there had been no representations from residents, neighbours or the Town Council.

The Committee noted that in this case, NPPF Paragraph 14 was engaged and while there was some limited impact, it was not felt sufficient to recommend refusal and therefore the application was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Chairman thanked the Senior Planning Officer, G Blakey, noted there were no registered speakers and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments on the application.

Councillor A Laing noted she supported the application and would proposed that it be approved.  Councillor D Brown noted that the key issue was that there had been no objections from residents and therefore he too supported the application.  Councillor A Surtees noted she also supported the application.

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

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee