Agenda item

Erection of 15 dwellings and associated works.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the erection of 15 dwellings and associated works on the site of former Mount Pleasant Grange, Tudhoe Moor, Spennymoor (for copy see file of Minutes).

L Eden, Senior Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included a site location plan, photographs and the site layout. Members were informed of a minor amendment to condition 3 to allow the developer to construct up to damp course level before submitting a scheme to embed sustainability into the development.

Councillor Richardson advised that he was satisfied with the proposals and moved approval of the application.

Councillor Patterson expressed concern about the proposed amendment to condition 3, and was informed that due to funding commitments Livin wanted to commence work on site. The proposed condition would ensure construction could go no further than damp-course level until a scheme to embed sustainability had been agreed by the Local Planning Authority.    

Whilst the Member welcomed the proposal for 15 affordable homes she remained concerned about allowing the construction of part of the properties before a scheme was submitted, as there was a risk that the site could be left unfinished.

Councillor Clare stated that he had no objection to the proposed amendment as he was confident that the site would be completed; the reason for permitting construction to commence was to allow Livin on site as quickly as possible. Greenhouse emissions would be dealt with as part of the submitted scheme. The Chairman concurred with the views of Councillor Clare who welcomed the supply of 2 bedroomed bungalows, of which there was a shortage.

Councillor Patterson asked by how much the scheme would be delayed if condition 3 was not amended. 

Mr Kitching the applicant’s agent clarified that there was a time limit on the site and development must commence by 1 November 2017 to ensure that grant funding was secured. The land had been acquired from DCC in 2012 and Livin were keen to build affordable housing in Spennymoor. He was concerned that if the scheme could not be discharged in time the funding would be lost and the development could not go ahead.     

Councillor Martin had no doubt that the developer would fulfil all requirements to ensure that sustainability was embedded within the development.

Councillor Tinsley noted in the report that the development would not adversely impact on highway safety and this was confirmed by A Glenwright, Principal DM Engineer who stated that this was a very small development with no significant increase in traffic generation.

Councillor Tinsley welcomed that the scheme proposed 15 social rent homes but noted that the S106 Agreement only required 10% affordable housing comprising two 2 bed bungalows for affordable rent.

C Cuskin, Planning and Development Solicitor advised that this was a policy requirement and it would be unreasonable to require the developer to provide 15 social rented units pursuant to a S106 Agreement. Mr Kitching assured Members that the scheme was 100% affordable and as it was funded by HECA, all 15 properties would be for social rent.

Councillor Tinsley seconded Councillor Richardson’s motion to approve the application with the proposed amendment to condition 3.

Upon a vote being taken it was Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to:-

a)    The conditions contained in the report with the following amendment to condition 3:-

Prior to any dwelling progressing beyond damp proof course a scheme  to embed sustainability into the development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Thereafter the development shall be carried out in complete accordance with the approved scheme and retained for the lifetime of the development.

Reason: To ensure that sustainability is fully embedded within the development to reduce greenhouse emissions as required by the NPPF.

b)    The completion of a section 106 agreement to secure the following:-

·         10% affordable housing comprising of 2 two bedroomed bungalows for affordable rent

·         Financial contributions of £15,000 towards play and recreational facilities to be spent within the electoral division.