Agenda item

The application was for the erection of 8 x 2 bed and 6 x 3 bed dwellings, communal pavilion, car parks, bin store, entrance gates and associated landscaping, following demolition of existing buildings. (Amended plan recv'd 6/1/17).

Members received the following updates:

‘CONSULTEE RESPONSES:

Affordable housing – The Council’s Viability Consultants have received further evidence from the applicant in this regard, regarding the site valuation and how the costs associated with the development were arrived at.  They have, however, not changed their recommendation, and still conclude that the development is not able to make a contribution towards affordable housing, and as such none is sought on this basis.

Flooding - The Local Lead Flood Authority have removed their objection, and not objected subject to two conditions, which are already included within the report (Conditions 9 and 10).  No comments were received from the Environment Agency.

CONDITIONS:

An additional condition is proposed as follows:

15. The pavilion hereby approved shall be used as an office and meeting/event room, ancillary to the development, and for no commercial or other purpose without the approval in writing from the Local Planning Authority.

Reason: In order to retain control over the development and prevent any adverse impacts on amenity in accordance with Policy DM9 of the Surrey Heath Core Strategy and Development Management Policies Document 2012.’

Some Members felt that the development would improve the site but sought clarification that the gate to the site would remain the same. Officers advised that a condition would be added so any change in the type of gate would have to be considered at committee. Members were also reassured that the ancient woodland adjacent to the site would not be affected by the development.

With regards to additional condition 15 outlined in the update, some Members requested that the condition be strengthened to ensure that the pavilion would be used for events/meetings related only to the site and its residents.

There was some concern about the height of the car ports but Members were advised that the height was lower than the top of the rooves on the dwellings and there were no walls on the car port areas.

Some Members asked about any habitats of bats on the site which may become apparent once demolition began. Officers advised an informative could be added in relation to bats.  In addition an informative could be added to advise that the weight restriction on the High Street in Chobham was 18 tons.

Resolved that application 16/1123 be approved as amended subject to:

·        the conditions as set out in the report of the Executive Head – Regulatory;

·        an additional condition to ensure any change in the gate area would go to committee for consideration;

·        condition 15 be strengthened  to ensure the pavilion would be used for events/meetings related only to the site and its residents; and

·        informatives added regarding bat habitats on the site and weight limits of vehicles along the High Street.

Note 1

It was noted for the record that Councillor Victoria Wheeler declared that she lived in Station Road.

Note 2

The recommendation to approve the application as amended was proposed by Councillor David Mansfield and seconded by Councillor Pat Tedder.

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 approve the application as amended:

Councillors Richard Brooks, Surinder Gandhum, Edward Hawkins,Jonathan Lytle, Katia Malcaus Cooper, David Mansfield, Adrian Page, Robin Perry, Ian Sams, Conrad Sturt, Pat Tedder, Victoria Wheeler and Valerie White.