Agenda item

DM/16/03710/OUT - Seaton Garden Centre, Seaton Lane, Seaton, Seaham

25 self build plots for residential dwellings.

Minutes:

The Team Leader – Central and East, Sarah Eldridge 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 25 self-build plots for residential dwellings including details of access and layoutand was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and s106 agreements.

 

The Team Leader – Central and East noted the application site adjoin existing residential development, and highlighted that proposed access on to the B1404, Seaton Lane.  Members noted most recent uses of the site had included: car repairs; caravan storage; and most recently a garden centre.  Members noted a proposed site layout.

 

The Committee noted there had been no objections from the local Parish Council and Highways were now satisfied in terms of access and parking.  It was noted that the Education Department had noted there were sufficient school places in the area, and the trees that were originally to be within the residential curtilage would now not be, and be protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

 

It was explained that there were 5 objections from members of the public as set out in the report.

 

The Team Leader – Central and East noted the key issues being the principle of development, access and layout.  It was noted that the proposal was for dwellings at the perimeter of the site, with green space at the centre.  Members noted that Seaton Village offered local services, a public house, school and shops.  The Team Leader – Central and East noted that in terms of Paragraph 14 of the NPPF, there were no other policies in place and Officers felt, looking at the issue of any adverse impact, this application was acceptable.  It was noted that further details in terms of the application would follow at the reserved matters stage, though Highways and access issues could be agreed by Members, subject to condition, including: site access visibility; s106 contribution towards play equipment, s106 towards affordable housing off-site; and s106 contribution towards coastal ecology, the application being within 6 kilometres of the coast.

 

The Chairman noted there were no speakers on this application and asked Members for their comments and questions.

 

Councillor G Bleasdale noted that when a nearby car boot sale was open, this development may add to traffic issues.  Councillor M Davison noted the contributions in terms of affordable housing and asked how those contributions would be allocated.  The Team Leader – Central and East noted that this is something the Housing Team would look at and it would be for others to make bids to utilise these funds.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

That the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions and Section 106 agreements as detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.

 

Supporting documents: