Agenda item

Erection of 37 no. residential dwellings (C3) with associated infrastructure, access and car parking

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding the erection of 37no. residential dwellings with associated infrastructure, access and car parking on land East of Hillside Road, Coundon (for copy see file of minutes).

The Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation of the application which included a site location plan, aerial view of the site, various photographs of the site and proposed site plan.

Local Member, Councillor Kay, spoke in support of the application – it was an improvement on that made in 2008 - it would provide good quality housing and compliment the recently constructed houses at Bishops Meadows.  Councillor Kay considered the application site to be sustainable and considered school provision adequate.  He acknowledged the additional parking which had been provided for visitors and considered overall, the development would have a positive impact on the area.

It had been acknowledged in the report that the internal layout fell short in some areas and Councillor Kay referred to the property at East Avenue which was adjacent to the site boundary.  He was concerned of the impact on amenity, should a 6ft fence be erected.  Although the separation distance was adequate in terms of planning, he wanted to protect the residential amenity of East Avenue.

The Agent, Mr Hunt, spoke on behalf of the Applicant and confirmed that the site was in a sustainable location in close proximity to the village and satisfied current and future housing needs.  The design of the properties would complement the properties at Bishops Meadows and traditional building materials would continue to be used.  A roundabout had been incorporated which would assist in traffic calming and link the two sites.  The Applicant had worked closely with consultees and ensured any impact had been mitigated.

Councillor Shuttleworth considered whether a condition to appease residents of East Avenue could be included.  The Senior Planning Officer confirmed that the separation distance was 7-8m and considered acceptable, however sought delegated authority to agree a condition regarding residential amenity in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.  Councillor Shuttleworth moved the recommendation to approve and it was seconded by Councillor Atkinson.

Resolved:

That the application be APPROVEDsubject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure the following:

·         Provision of 10% affordable housing on site

·         Financial contribution totalling £83,028 towards offsite open space and recreational provision

·         £11,105 towards offsite biodiversity improvements

·         £13,000 towards the provision of public art

And subject to the conditions as outlined in the report and the condition delegated to be agreed by the Senior Planning Officer.