Agenda item

Demolition of existing community building, erection of 19 residential dwellings, creation of new access and associated works

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding an application for the demolition of an existing community building, erection of 19 residential dwellings, creation of a new access and associated works at the former Annfield Plain Community Centre, Fairview Terrace, Greencroft. Stanley (for copy see file of Minutes).

A Dobie, Principal Planning Officer gave a detailed presentation on the application which included a location plan, aerial photograph, site photographs, proposed site layout and proposed elevations.

A Willis, agent for the applicant was present at the meeting but elected not to speak.  He was, however, available to answer questions.

Councillor Shield informed the Committee that he was familiar with the area and could see no problems with the application, which was on a brownfield site and was sustainable.  Councillor Shield referred to the proposed s106 agreement and asked whether this was yet in place.  C Cuskin, Planning and Development Solicitor replied that the Council was in receipt of a draft s106 Agreement from the applicant but that any s106 Agreement would only be approved once planning permission was granted.

Councillor Shield moved approval of the application.

Councillor Shuttleworth considered that it was sad that a community facility such as this was closing and would be demolished.  However, he could see no problem with the proposed development and seconded approval of the application.

Councillor Clare, while supporting approval of the application, asked whether any features of the existing building might be incorporated into the design of the new development.  Mr Willis, agent for the applicant replied that this had been discussed at pre-planning discussions, but unfortunately it had not proven to be possible to incorporate such features into the new development.  The Principal Planning Officer added that the brick wall on the south and west boundaries of the site would be retained, and this was included as Condition 9 of the proposed planning permission.

Councillor Hopgood asked how many bedrooms the proposed dwellings would be.  Mr Willis replied that 11 two-bedroomed houses were proposed and 8 three-bedroomed properties.  Councillor Hopgood informed the Committee that she had no objection to the development in principal but asked about parking availability on the development.  The Principal Planning Officer informed Councillor Hopgood that the development proposed 31 car parking spaces within the curtilage of the properties, as well as visitor spaces.

Upon a vote being taken it was

Resolved:

That the application be approved subject to:

·         A s106 legal agreement that includes securing the tenure of all the approved dwellings to meet the definition of ‘affordable housing’ set out in the NPPF, and

·         A s106 legal agreement that includes securing the payment for £1311 to directly mitigate the healthcare implications of the development

and the Conditions contained in the report.