Agenda item

12 dwellings with associated landscaping and parking.

The Principal 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 for 12 dwellings with associated landscaping and parking and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

The Principal Planning Officer noted a correction to report, the contribution set out at Paragraph 67 of the report stating £23,310, which should have read the same as set out in the recommendations at page 24, £24,310.

The Committee were informed there had been no objections to the application from statutory or internal consultees, with the Ecology Team being satisfied with the inclusion of a s106 Agreement in relation to reducing the number of access points to Special Protection Areas as identified within the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership’s Business Plan 2014/15.  The Principal Planning Officer noted there had been no objections from members of the public and that Planning Officers felt the application was acceptable in principle and was in a sustainable location.  Members were informed that the area was not allocated as open space via policy.  The Principal Planning Officer noted that it was felt that the application would not impact adversely on visual and residential amenity and the Highways Section noted the application was acceptable.

The Chairman noted the Committee Services Officer would read out a statement from the Local Member, Councillor A Laing, as she was unable to attend the meeting.

“I am fully in support of the application.  It involves the redevelopment of a former housing site that is near to the town centre and a good range of facilities and services for the residents.  It is a good quality scheme providing some welcome affordable housing, and will be of benefit to the area”.

The Chairman asked Mr P Glover, Agent for the applicant to speak in support of the application.

Mr P Glover noted the site had previously been a residential site and was in a very sustainable location.  He added that there was much need for family and affordable homes in this area.  Mr P Glover noted the contemporary and sympathetic design followed the topography of the site and was in the vernacular of the area.  He asked Members of the Committee to follow the Planning Officer’s recommendation and approve the application.

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

Councillor I Jewell noted that the scheme seemed to be very straightforward, with no objections from the statutory or internal bodies, with no objections from members of the public, and with the Local Member being in support of the application.  Accordingly, Councillor I Jewell moved that the application be approved as per the Officer’s report.

Councillor O Temple asked as regards parking allowance per dwelling and the density of properties on the site.

Councillor J Maitland echoed the comments made in Councillor A Laing’s statement and noted the development would much improve the area.  Councillor J Maitland seconded the proposal made by Councillor I Jewell.

The Principal Planning Officer explained there were 2 car parking spaces per property and 6 visitor car parking spaces in addition.  He noted he did not have the density figure to hand and suggested the Agent for the Applicant may have the figure.  Mr P Glover noted the density was approximately 30 properties per hectare.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions detailed in the Officer’s report to the Committee.

Councillor J Clark entered the meeting at 1.20pm