Agenda item

14 dwellings at Tamar Close and 27 dwellings at Teign Close, Peterlee (41 dwellings).

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 14 dwellings at Tamar Close and 27 dwellings at Teign Close, Peterlee (41 dwellings)and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a s106 agreement.  It was noted that the application was for the Passfield Electoral Division, rather than Peterlee East as set out within the report.

The Team Leader – Central and East noted there had been no objections from statutory or internal consultees following some amendments in terms of the landscaping scheme and subject to the conditions set out within the report. 

It was added that the scheme represented 100% affordable tenure, though the s106 agreement noted 10% affordable housing on site, and that the element within the s106 agreement in terms of enhancement or provision of play facilities would be for the Passfield Electoral Division.

The Chairman thanked the Team Leader – Central and East and the Case Officer and asked Ms B McQue, Senior Planner, Indigo Planning - agent for the applicant to address the Committee, speaking in support of the application.

Ms B McQue thanked the Chairman and Committee and explained the applicant, County Durham Housing Group (CDHG) had engaged Indigo Planning in respect of this application.  She added that as agent she agreed with the Planning Officer’s report and reiterated that it was to provide 41 affordable units, and there had been no objections from statutory or internal consultees.  Ms B McQue noted that the application was in accord with the NPPF and the saved District of Easington Local Plan, the application land not having been allocated a specific land use.

Ms B McQue explained that there were several benefits to the scheme, with Peterlee being a very popular town and the housing type was highly sort after.  It was reiterated that the land was not protected open space and that up until around 25 years ago there was housing on the site.  Ms B McQue noted that each property had parking provision for 2 vehicles, as well as there being 28 visitor spaces, alleviating some of the concerns raised by nearby residents.  It was confirmed that all the properties would be constructed in line with wheelchair adaptable standards. 

Ms B McQue noted that the Education Officer had reported that there were sufficient school places available in the area and that the s106 agreement would secure over £50,000 in terms of play facilities and the Durham Coastal Management Plan.

Ms B McQue reiterated that the application was in line with the planning policies in place and that the scheme was suitable, sustainable and deliverable, and was a clear opportunity to provide affordable housing for County Durham.  She concluded by noting that there was an amended plan from that shown within the Officer’s presentation, with plots 1-6 on the Tamar Close site having been rotated.

The Chairman thanked Ms B McQue and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments.

Councillor J Blakey moved that the application be approved, she was seconded by Councillor G Bleasdale.  Councillor I Jewell agreed adding that not only did the application provide 100% of the properties as affordable housing, there was also provision of bungalows.  He also noted that in relation to the concerns of residents as regards parking, there was provision of 2 spaces per property and 28 visitors’ spaces in addition.

Councillor O Temple noted he was very happy with the proposals within the report and noted that where the site was located was surrounded by existing housing. 

He suggested therefore that a start time for works of 8.00am rather than 7.30am may be more suitable for this application.  The Chairman noted this was a good point and asked Officers for their comments.  The Team Leader – Central and East noted that the standard start time being applied to applications for the last 6 months had been 7.30am, however, a start time of 8.00am would be a decision for the Committee to decide upon.

The Chairman noted the proposer and seconder were happy to accept an amended start time of 8.00am for works.

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, subject to the amended plan, the correction of the electoral divisionand start time for works of 8.00am.

Councillor K Hawley left the meeting at 2.55pm

Councillor J Clark entered the meeting at 2.55pm