Agenda item

The application was for the erection of a pair of semi detached three bedroom dwelling houses with associated parking and access following demolition of existing garages. (Additional Plan Rec'd 11/10/2016). (Amended Info - Rec'd 21/03/2017). (Amended plans recv'd 13/6/17).

This application would normally have been determined under the Council's Scheme of Delegation for Officers, however, it had been reported to the Planning Applications Committee at the request of Cllr Lewis.

A site visit took place at the site.

Members were advised of the following updates:

‘Report correction

The site contains 19 and not 20 garages.  The proposal requires these to be demolished to facilitate the development.  

Point of clarification

The submitted block plan retains a footpath / access to the side of No.36 Greenlands Road such that access to the side of this property and to the rear of its neighbour’s is retained.’ 

There was local concern regarding a loss of parking and the loss of an area for turning at the location of the garages. Large vehicles and emergency vehicles would have to reverse back down the road if the proposal was approved.

The Committee was advised that of the 19 garages on the site, which were now in disrepair, only two were being rented. In addition the site was private land and was not currently a public car parking area. On questioning the applicant confirmed that land could be fenced off the land to prevent public access.

Some Members were concerned about parking and safety issues and the loss of amenity ground.  There were currently serious issues with parking in the area and the loss of the garage area would exacerbate this problem.

Although some Members questioned whether the applicant’s parking report had been verified, officers reminded Members that there had been no objection from the County Highways Authority. However, it was noted that during the site visit Members had witnessed the parking issues around the site.

The committee was advised that when considering the application they would have to balance the limited parking area against the need for social housing.

Resolved that application 16/0877 be approved subject to the conditions as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory.

Note 1

As this application triggered the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme, Mrs Pamela Hickman spoke in objection and Mr Richard Summers spoke in support. Mr Easterling, was unable to attend but his objections were read to the committee by Cllr Nick Chambers.

Note 2

It was noted for the record that Councillor Colin Dougan declared that he had been a councillor representative on the Accent Board.

Note 3

The recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Councillor Nick Chambers and seconded by Councillor Colin Dougan.

Note 4

In accordance with Part 4, Section D, paragraph 18 of the Constitution, the voting in relation to the application was as follows:

Voting in favour of the recommendation to approve the application:

CouncillorsNick Chambers, Colin Dougan, Surinder Gandhum, Edward Hawkins, Max Nelson, Adrian Page, Robin Perry, Ian Sams, Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder,

Voting against the recommendation to approve the application:

Councillors Katia Malcaus Cooper, Victoria Wheeler, Valerie White and John Winterton.