Agenda item

Construction of 78 no units of 2, 3 and 4-bed dwellings with associated garages, parking, and garages.

The Committee considered a report of the Strategic Development Manager regarding the proposed construction of 78 no units of 2, 3 and 4-bed dwellings with associated garages, parking and garages (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Development Manager gave a detailed presentation which included photographs of the site and plans of the proposed layout. It was highlighted that there was an additional planning condition to be imposed in relation to the maintenance of landscaped areas and open space.

At this point the Chairman advised that the local Members were unable to attend the meeting however had asked that their views be read out to the committee.

The Committee Services Officer read the following statement on behalf of Councillor S Henig and L Marshall:

We would like to highlight our support for the Highways Authority response as set out in paragraphs 32 and 85-86 that junction improvement work will be needed at the junction of North Approach (Whitehill Way) and Pelton Fell Road (B6313) which is already operating at above capacity during the morning rush hour. Subject to these junction improvements we have no objections to the proposal.

Councillor Shuttleworth commented that although he was not against the application he considered the amount of money which would have to contributed by the Durham Villages Regeneration Company to be high and this did not sit well with him. In response, the Strategic Development Manager explained that the financial contributions were necessary to mitigate the impacts of the development, but appreciated that this did affect viability in this case, and hence the manner in which the affordable housing would be delivered in this particular case.

Councillor Shield raised a query regarding the proposals for open space and play provision and asked whether the sum of £135,000 would be allocated for use within the divisional area or to replace the previously removed equipment.

The Strategic Development Manager advised that the play equipment on this site had been removed some 10 years prior and the scheme did not propose the installation of replacement play equipment. However, the financial contribution secured would be available for use within the Electoral Division towards the provision or enhancement of recreational and play facilities.

Councillor Robinson noted that there had been no objections to the application and that in addition officers had accepted the viability argument put forward by the developers. He further applauded the officers for their work with the developers in securing the affordable dwellings.. He therefore MOVED that the application be APPROVED subject to the conditions as listed in the report and with the additional landscape maintenance condition

Councillor Boyd SECONDED the motion.

Resolved: that the application be approved subject to completion of a section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions as listed in the report (together with additional landscape maintenance condition).