Agenda item

67 dwellings and associated infrastructure.

The Senior Planning Officer, Barry Gavillet, 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 67 dwellings and associated infrastructure and was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a s106 Legal Agreement.

The Senior Planning Officer, BG referred Members to slide showing that the site was cleared, with grassed areas and some hardstanding.  He explained the site was fenced off and had not been used for some time and was surrounded by existing housing.  He noted the sustainable location, within close proximity to Peterlee town centre with all the associated services, amenities and transport links.

The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted no objections from the Highways Section and no objections from internal consultees.  He noted no objections from Northumbrian Water Limited, subject to a condition, and no objections from the National Health Service (NHS) subject to a financial contribution regarding healthcare.  The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted the inclusion of contributions in terms of ecology, play provision and healthcare, and 10 percent affordable housing on site.  He added that while 10 percent was within the s106, the developer was seeking to provide 100 percent affordable housing at the site.

The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted some clarifications in relation to the report: that paragraph 28 should be disregarded as this had been included in error; amendments to Condition 8 in relation to drainage; and minor amendment to elevations, gable windows being removed, path widths and for these to be reflected in amended plans.

The Chair thanked the Senior Planning Officer, BG and asked the Committee Services Officer to read out a statement on behalf of Local Member, Councillor A Laing in support of the application.

“My apologies that I can’t be at the Central and East Planning Committee this afternoon.  I would like to fully support the proposal for a new development on the former Eden Community Primary School.  This land has stood empty for nine years.  As in the report, there are a number of facilities in the area which are very accessible.  I would like to support the Officer’s recommendation of approval, but can I also add there are 19 bungalows being planned as part of the scheme and it also has 100 percent affordable housing.  Thank you for your time”.

The Chair thanked the Committee Services Officer and asked Mr P Hacking, agent for the applicant to speak in support of the application.

Mr P Hacking thanked Members and noted the proposed development would deliver 67 affordable dwellings, with 25 rent to buy, 42 affordable rent, including 19 bungalows, with two of those being disable compliant to the highest accessibility standards.  He noted the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) had identified the need for bungalows, with the other properties to be two and three bedrooms.

Mr P Hacking noted the financial contributions as set out within the report, regarding open space, ecology and healthcare.  He added there had been dialogue with the Planning Department and amendments had been made to the application over time to improve the scheme.  He asked Members to note the traditional design in sympathy with the area, with render and vertical features to provide some variety.  Mr P Hacking noted the stand off distances at the south-east of the development ensured privacy for the existing development.  He added there would be dual-frontage properties at the junction and prominent plots, with no blank gables, and back to back plots with 1.8 metre fencing for gardens.

Mr P Hacking noted no objections from the Highways Section in terms of the application, with all properties having in-curtilage parking provision and with additional visitor parking provided within the development.  He added that a transport assessment had noted no negative impact from the scheme.  He noted that landscaping had been accepted by Officers and noted trees that would be retained in the north-west corner of the site. 

Mr P Hacking concluded by noting the scheme was policy compliant, would provide much need accommodation, bungalows and financial contributions for he local area and asked that Members agree the application as per the Officer’s recommendation.

The Chair thanked Mr P Hacking and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor J Robinson noted this was another well worked scheme, involving Local Members and giving much needed affordable housing.  He noted paragraph 82 of the report stated, “no adverse impacts from the proposed scheme” and therefore proposed the application be approved as set out within the report.  Councillor H Bennett seconded the proposal.

Councillor O Temple asked for clarification in relation to the density of the housing proposed on the site, asking if an average of 22 dwelling per hectare was correct for the County.  The Senior Planning Officer, BG noted the average was around 30 per hectare and that for this site it was 38.2 per hectare.  Councillor O Temple noted that if the development had been within his area he would have opposed the application, noting some separation distances were also less than recommended within guidance.  He noted however there was support from the Local Member and understood their comments.

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED subject to completion of a s106 legal agreement, the conditions as set out within the report, and with the amendments as set out by the Officer.