Agenda item

Residential development for 29 dwellings and associated works (amended title).

The Senior Planning Officer, Jennifer Jennings (JJ) 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 Senior Planning Officer (JJ) advised that Members of the Committee had visited the site and were familiar with the location and setting.  The application was for residential development for 29 dwellings and associated works (amended title) and was recommended for approval, subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out in the report.

The Senior Planning Officer (JJ) explained that the proposed site was an allocated site within the Witton Gilbert Neighbourhood Plan (WGNP) and all properties would have photovoltaic (PV) cells and comply with Part L Building Control Regulations, with options for all properties to have EV charging, four properties proposed to have such provision as part of the development.

The Chair thanked the Senior Planning Officer (JJ) and asked Helen Heward, Agent for the applicant to speak in support of the application.

H Heward thanked the Committee and noted that the proposals by Homes by Carlton would provide housing on an allocated site which was highly sustainable that would address a local housing need.  She explained the developer had engaged with the Parish Council and local community and the final application reflected feedback received, with 25 percent affordable homes, with two bungalows.  She noted that trees would be retained where possible and there would be landscaping and amenity space, with hedgerows replaced.  She noted good amenity space, with all properties having in-curtilage parking and garden space compliant with the Council’s latest Residential Amenity Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).  She added here was visitor parking dispersed throughout the development, and the layout was such to allow access for emergency and refuse vehicles.  She noted that all properties exceeded Nationally Described Space Standards (NDSS), 66 percent of the properties met M42 Accessibility Standards, with 10 percent being suitable for elderly persons.  H Heward noted the proposed footpath link, integrating the development, and renewable energy via PV, and EV infrastructure being in place for the development.  She concluded by noting no objections from Technical Officers, subject to conditions and the s106 Agreement, that there was support from the Parish Council, and that as the proposals were in line with policy, she would ask the Committee to approve the much needed development.

The Chair thanked H Heward and asked the Committee for their comments and questions.

Councillor A Bell explained he was very familiar with the site, and he felt the application was a well thought through scheme and it was brilliant that the developer had engaged positively with the Parish Council and local community.  He moved that the application be approved.

Councillor J Quinn noted there had only been one objection to the application and therefore he would second the approval of the scheme.

Councillor J Elmer noted he would make the following points in respect of the application.  Firstly, that the development was an example of development up to the edge of a bypass and how the chance of infill development could be increased as a result.  Secondly, in relation to CDP Policy 29(c) and reaching carbon neutrality, PV was welcomed, however he would hope that air or ground source heat pumps would be used in addition, rather than connect to the mains gas supply.  His third point related to Northumbrian Water Limited (NWL) not objecting to surface water draining into their sewer.  He noted while not objecting, it was an opportunity for them to look for contributions to help with capital works to improve and modernise the sewer system.  Councillor J Elmer added that densifying the tree boundary was welcomed, noting that shade tolerant species would be needed.  He explained that it was very important to recognise that the proposals were supported by the WGNP, and for the Committee to look to support neighbourhood plans as they are the result of long consultation exercises.  He noted he would support the application as presented.

The Senior Planning Officer (JJ) noted that there had been discussions with NWL on the application and they had agreed the proposals were acceptable.  She added the landscape plan in terms of shrubs was already conditioned, however, there would be discussions with the Landscape Team as regards what would be appropriate.  She noted that there was no requirement not to have gas boilers within properties, rather to met policy requirement and Part L Building Regulations.  H Heward confirmed that the proposals were for gas boilers, however, the comments from Members would be taken forward in future developments.

The Chair noted the application had been proposed for approval by Councillor A Bell and seconded by Councillor J Quinn, upon a vote being taken it was:

RESOLVED

That the application be APPROVED, subject to the conditions and s106 Legal Agreement as set out within the report.