Agenda item

The application was for the outline application for the erection of 7 No. residential dwellings, with vehicular access, car parking with alterations/reduction to existing public car park/servicing areas (all matters reserved). (Additional information rec'd 23/11/2016).

The application would normally have been determined under the Council's Scheme of Delegation for Officers; however, it was reported to the Planning Applications Committee at the request of Councillor Sams.

Members received the following updates:

‘Economic Development Officer – No comments.

The agent has responded to the proposed reasons 1, 2 and 3 of the officer report by providing:

·       An affordable housing statement was received on 14/12 which concludes that the Written Ministerial Statement, the associated Court judgement and updates to National Planning Practice Guidance which indicate that affordable housing should not be sought for schemes of 10 dwellings or less, with less weight given to local policies which would require an on-site provision; and

·       An addendum report has been received today to indicate improvements to the approach could be provided including a revised surface treatment (e.g. cobble edge and block paving access road), use of different colour hard surface treatments, variations in texture and levels, use of bollards to define spaces, traffic calming measures (e.g. raised tables), kerbing to define different surfaces, and the introduction of soft landscaping; with a plan has been provided which indicates that on-site ecological mitigation can be provided on this site.  This includes the provision of trees, tree mounted bat boxes, bat boxes integral to the buildings and landscaping.

Officer response

·       The addendum report indicates possible enhancements to the approach but it is not considered that this would overcome reason 1 and the objections on character grounds.

·       The addendum report indicates possible ecological enhancements including further tree provision, and the provision of bat boxes (in the trees and within the fabric of the dwellings).  The Tree Officer has indicated that there are too many trees, too close together with some under the tree canopies of existing retained trees, which may prove difficult to establish on the long-term.  However, broad leaf hedging, along with some tree planting may be possible instead.  It is too late, however, for SWT comments to be provided.  At this late stage it is therefore recommended that reason 2 remains. 

·       The agent has not demonstrated why local policies for affordable housing provision should be set aside in favour of the national position; has not provided any viability information; information about whether the developer can be defined as a small developer; and whether the Borough has conditions where housing needs are not so extreme, and the house prices so high, that a different approach to the national position is not required.  As such, it is recommended that reason 3 remains.

One additional letter of comment has been received from an objector not raising any additional issues.’

Clarification was sought on the allocation of parking spaces on the site. Members were advised there would be 10 residential and 76 for the car park.

Resolved that application 16/0631 be refused for the reasons as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory.

Note 1

As this application triggered the Council’s public speaking scheme, Mr Kitcherside spoke in support of the application.

Note 2

The recommendation to refuse the application was proposed by Councillor Ian Sams and seconded by Councillor Victoria Wheeler.

Note 3

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 refuse the application:

Councillors Nick Chambers, Vivienne Chapman, Colin Dougan, Edward Hawkins, David Mansfield, Max Nelson, Adrian Page, Robin Perry, Ian Sams,Pat Tedder, Victoria Wheeler and Valerie White.

Voting against the recommendation to refuse the application:

Councillor Jonathan Lytle.