Agenda item

Outline planning permission (all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 83 dwellings (Revised scheme 6 July 2018).

The Senior Planning Officer, Graham Blakey 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 outline planning permission (all matters reserved except access) for the erection of up to 83 dwellings (revised scheme 6 July 2018) and was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and a s106 Legal Agreement.

The Senior Planning Officer, GB noted the application site was in close proximity to the former British Oxygen Company (BOC) site which had permission for 230 dwellings, with around 30 having been completed.  He explained as regards proposals in terms of highways, a traffic island and layby would be installed, with some trees to the boundary removed to facilitate the visibility splay, though this would be dealt with at the reserved matters stage.  Members noted an indicative layout showing how the site would be able to accommodate the number of properties, a SuDS pond and footpath link.  The Senior Planning Officer, GB explained that as Vigo Lane represented the border with Gateshead Council and there would be a number of requirements in terms of highways works to Vigo Lane, and including the Portobello Road / Vigo Lane junction within the Gateshead Council administrative area.

The Senior Planning Officer, GB noted that as Local Plan Policies were considered out-of-date then the NPPF Paragraph 11 balance test would apply.  He added there had been no objections from statutory or internal consultees subject to conditions and no representations made from the public.  The Senior Planning Officer, GB noted the application was recommended for approval, subject to the conditions as set out, a s106 Legal Agreement and an additional condition in relation to off-site highways works as described within the Gateshead Council administrative area.

The Chairman noted there were no registered speakers and asked Members of the Committee for their questions and comments.  Councillor A Hopgood moved that the application be approved as per the report.  Councillor C Martin seconded the motion for approval and thanked the Architect in relation to the application who had made himself available and had listened to the public.  He added that while he had initially had concerns in relation to highways issues, the number of works that have been proposed seem to represent a significant improvement.

Councillor M Davinson noted the s106 Agreement included a contribution in terms of additional capacity at schools in the area and asked if this was for Durham or Gateshead or both.  The Senior Planning Officer, GB noted that as the application was within County Durham, the County Council was the appropriate Local Education Authority and the contribution via s106 in terms of additional school capacity would be for County Durham.

Upon a vote being taken it was

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out in the report, and a condition in relation to off-site highways works to Vigo Lane.