Issue - meetings

Variation of Condition 4 approved plans 0964-F01 rev D, and 1628 URB XX XX GA 90 001 Rev H) of APP/P1560/W/17/3176089, to provide a re-worked layout to provide wider roads to improve emergency access and to incorporate a mix of housing types including detached dwellings, semi-detached properties and apartments.

Councillor V E Guglielmi had earlier declared an interest in Planning Application 18/01767/OUT insofar as she was a candidate for the Ward in which the Application was situated. Councillor V E Guglielmi had confirmed that she was not pre-determined.

It was reported that outline planning permission had been allowed at appeal on 19 February 2018 for the erection of 67 dwellings together with the formation of an access.

Members were informed that this Section 73 application sought to vary Condition 4 attached to the aforementioned outline planning permission in order to amend the approved layout.

Members were further informed that the supporting documents stated that it had become necessary to amend the approved layout in order to improve the proposed road network, thereby allowing sufficient access to the site for all emergency vehicles and servicing vehicles and to alter the housing types to include detached dwellings, semi-detached properties and apartments.

It was reported that Officers had considered that the revisions represented an improved layout over that approved previously on appeal which would enable emergency and servicing vehicles to adequately access and manoeuvre across the site, whilst proposing a more spacious appearing development allowing for better spacing between properties and larger private gardens for future residents.

It was further reported that, subject to the applicant entering into a deed of variation to update the existing Section 106 agreement to cover the provision of affordable housing and education contributions, the proposal was considered to be acceptable with no material harm to visual or residential amenity, heritage assets, or highway safety.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Planning Manager (GN) in respect of the application.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of one additional Condition.

Will Vote, a local resident, spoke against the application.

Councillor Coley, a local Ward Member, spoke against the application.

Rebecca Rogers, the agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor V E Guglielmi, seconded by Councillor Alexander and RESOLVED that, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation of approval, the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to refuse planning permission for the development due to the following reasons:-

·        Loss of green buffer to boundary with Green Lane and the nearby park and impact on landscape character of the area, supported by the comments of the Council’s Tree and Landscape Officer;

·        Loss of outlook from public footpath due to position of proposed apartment blocks; and

·        Failure to submit completed Section 106 agreement.