The Principal Planner presented this item to the Planning Committee. Advising the application seeks full planning permission for the residential development of the site for 24 flats (in 2 blocks) and 21 houses. The Committee were advised that part of the site was most recently used sporadically for commercial purposes (the area fronting Broadway) and for a scrapyard (the area fronting Manor Road). The proposed scheme would provide for a mixture of dwelling sizes with shared parking & amenity space for the flats and private parking & amenity areas for the dwellings. The scheme would make best use of a highly sustainable site which is in close proximity to local schools and a local parade and would reuse in a positive way land which is presently underused and derelict. Approval is therefore recommended subject to conditions and s106 Agreement. The principal planner added that on page 54 of the application there is a duplication of a condition 30 is a refuse and recycling condition. This is duplicated as it already exists under condition 9. Therefore, this has been struck out and sought agreement from members.

·       Speaker gave statement to the committee.

Members sought further clarification regarding the different points of access. Members were advised there are three key access points in the proposal the first is to the north adjacent to the existing access, there are two other access points to the southern end via Manor Road. The Principal Planner confirmed there would be no access through Cherry Tree Close, officers are aware of the resident concerns regarding unauthorised access. Members were advised to review condition 21 on page 51 which covers reinstating a wall along the south-western edge of the site which residents are supportive of.

Members stated that currently there is no affordable housing included and queried whether this will be reviewed. Members also queried the impact on local schools and GPs. It was confirmed that normally for an application of this size they would expect an element of 35% of affordable housing to be included. Adding that the proposal is subject to viability assessments and the most recent viability appraisal indicated that the appropriate route includes a review mechanism agreed by both parties within a legal agreement where the costs of can be assessed and if there is scope to provide affordable housing or education contributions that would be secured. It was confirmed that this would be an independent review to ensure consistency.

Members expressed concerns regarding GPs being able to manage number of residents moving into the area. It was confirmed by the officer, and by the agent who spoke, that the applicant has agreed to provide the healthcare contributions required. The officer advised that the healthcare contribution was included in the heads of terms for the legal agreement but needed to be added to the recommendation under part 16 of page 44 of the agenda.  Members also queried whether, following the review mechanism, if there would be an opportunity to bring the application back to Committee.  The officer confirmed that as the application had been called in, there would be opportunity for the application to be brought back to Committee at the review mechanism stage, should Members wish. 

Members queried whether the surface conditions of Manor Road will be tidied up and whether any previous issues with access would be resolved to enable future developments. It was confirmed that the conditions of the road surfacing are not great, and their understanding is that the developer will upgrade the surfacing outside on Manor Road, however it does fall outside of the application. The Highways Officer confirmed they have put in highway conditions that include improving this and potential for further adoption.

Members stated it is near a school and queried whether additional parking will be available. It was confirmed that parking will be available for anyone to use.

Members queried whether there were any provisions for electric charging points. It was confirmed there is a condition 18 on page 50 requires Electric Vehicle charging points to be provided.

Members proceeded to debate. Members were looking forward to development of the site. There were some concerns around education and the traffic implications however they were in support of the application.

Recommendations: That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of this report–

A) Completion of a s106 Obligation Agreement and

B) Conditions

Proposed: Councillor Liddiard

Seconded: Councillor Kelly

For (7): Councillors P Arnold, G Byrne, Heath, Kelly, Liddiard, Shinnick, Sisterson

Against (0)

Abstain (0)

Recommendations Approved.