Agenda item

DM/17/02275/OUT - Land To The West Of Hawkstone Lodge, High Hesleden

Outline planning application for the erection of a detached dwelling with all matters reserved.

Minutes:

The Senior Planning Officer, Chris Baxter, 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 an outline application for the erection of a detached dwelling with all matters reserved and was recommended for refusal.

 

The Senior Planning Officer noted that the application was as per the report, with a 38 signature petition in support of the application having also been received.

 

The Chairman asked Local Member, Councillor L Pounder to speak in support of the application.

 

Councillor L Pounder thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak and noted that she spoke on behalf of herself, Councillor R Crute and the 38 people in support of the application.  She noted that the applicant wished to retire to this property and that the site was that of a former smithy, with evidence of this still at the site.  She added that it falls within the settlement boundary and suggested that in effect the site was brownfield and so therefore could be considered for new development and included as part of the hamlet.

 

Councillor L Pounder added that the neighbouring settlements were larger, medium sized villages and towns and that the Council acknowledged the need for more housing. 

She added it was in a sustainable location and would add to the patronage of The Ship Inn as well as other community venues such as the play-park, school and shops.  Councillor L Pounder added that she felt the application was compliant with Paragraph 55 of the NPPF, would fill a social role and add to the health and vibrancy for future generations.  She noted a similar application at Castle Eden in 2012, a Class Tier 6 hamlet, and only seems logical to be acceptable at High Hesleden also, with a presumption in favour of sustainable development.  She added this other application would have been approved at appeal.

 

Councillor L Pounder noted that the Council could not demonstrate a 5-year supply of housing land and this application would contribute to such supply and added there would be no detrimental impact upon amenities or neighbouring properties.

 

Councillor L Pounder concluded by noting in terms of Paragraph 14 of the NPPF she felt there was no demonstrable impact from this application, on planning balance.

 

The Chairman asked Mr C Pipe to speak on behalf of the Applicant in support of the application.

 

Ms C Pipe noted there had been no objections received, there would be no adverse effect and the site was that of the former smithy and therefore was an integral part of the village.  She added that the report noted that the application would support services in neighbouring villages and added that the local pub in High Hesleden needed the support to help keep facilities and services going.  She referred to other similar applications which had been approved, where in those cases it had been miles to the nearest schools and shops, and also some applications similar had been approved at appeal.  Ms C Pipe respectfully asked that the Committee approve the application.

 

The Chairman asked Mr J Brewis, the Applicant to speak in support of the application.

 

Mr J Brewis noted he had lived all his life in the village and wanted to move from the large family farm, to slow down and retire, noting no family to take over at the farm.

 

The Chairman asked Members of the Committee for their comments on the application.

 

Councillor P Jopling noted she could not see how the Committee could refuse the application, with issue of using a car to get there being ridiculous.  Councillor G Bleasdale also saw no reason to refuse the application.

 

It was noted that if the application was to be approved there would need to be a suite of conditions attached to the permission. 

 

 

 

The Senior Planning Officer suggested that the issue of conditions be delegated to the Officers, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee, to include issues such as: standard timescales; reserved matters details; approval of the plan; contamination condition, standard further investigation works; together with a Section 106 agreement to secure an ecology contribution towards the Durham Heritage Coast Management Plan.

 

Councillor P Jopling moved that the application be approved; she was seconded by Councillor G Bleasdale.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the application be APPROVED subject to conditions being agreed by Officers in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Committee, and subject to a 106 agreement as identified by the Planning Officer.

 

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