The planning application was a proposal for the development of 102 dwellings and associated access, parking, public open space, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.

 

This application seeks full planning permission and proposes a new access road into the estate. The proposal for 102 dwellings would be for 48 flats, and 54 x 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes. The buildings will vary between 2 and up to 4 storeys high on London Road.

 

The Principal Planner highlighted an error on the report on pages 35 and 36 as it stated the provision of dwellings would be 20% as affordable homes, although it was confirmed as 23%.

 

The homes would be designed with large windows and a similar design was proposed for the flatted blocks. The Principal Planner referred to photos of the site.

 

The existing properties in Moore Avenue would not be affected by access for the new dwellings as the vehicle access route would be from Devonshire Road which is to the east side of the site. The quantum of development was accepted by highways as there would be suitable access to Devonshire Road.

 

The Principal Planner stated that a previous application was considered by Committee in July 2017 which was approved. This established the principal of residential development and the issue of the land use was not objectionable. In terms of the layout and consideration, it would be an increase on density from what was proposed at last year’s Committee.

 

The Principal Planner pointed out that on page 34 point 6.30 the viability only refers to primary school places however this will include secondary schools.

 

The recommendation was to grant the planning application subject to conditions and s.106 agreement.

 

The Chair asked if there were specific reasons as to why the roof for the flatted blocks was proposed as a flat roof and not a pitched roof. The Principal Planner stated that a flat roof design is most commonly used in modern flatted development and that a pitched roof would result in an increase in height.

 

Mrs Michelle Peters, Resident of Thurrock was invited to the Committee to present her statement of objection.

 

Councillor Q Abbas, Ward Councillor was invited to the Committee to present his statement of objection.

 

Mr Gregory Evans, Agent of the application was invited to the Committee to present his statement of support.

 

The Chair opened the Committee to questions regarding the application.

 

Councillor Rice, asked why 102 dwellings were being proposed without any extra health services being offered to the residents. The Principal Planner confirmed that correspondence was sent to NHS England, however the report did not include details of any response.

 

The Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection said a response would need to be confirmed to ensure the health infrastructure could be negotiated.

 

Councillor Rice shared his concerns that residents of Thurrock are already required to wait a number of weeks for health appointments.

 

The Principal Planner confirmed on 18 April 2018 NHS England were consulted, however he could not comment as there were no details in the report as to any comments.

 

Councillor Rice said if there were 102 new units being built in the new settlement and no additional facilities for health services, this would raise serious concern. He recommended for the item be deferred allowing Planning Officers more time to explore with NHS England. 

 

The Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection felt this was a reasonable deferral to make if all members were in agreement with Councillor Rice.

 

The Principal Planner highlighted that Officers would be willing to discuss with NHS England. He stated that under the viability scheme the application can only cover a certain level of contribution whether this be affordable housing, education or health.

 

Councillor Rice stated there will be 102 new homes, without any health services which he felt was surprising.

 

Councillor Piccolo said regardless of the health facilities will there be a figure of how many doctors are required per household. The Principal Planner said this information would be calculated using information from GP services within the area, and how many patients they have and if they are at capacity or over. Any response from the NHS would then specify an amount of floor space necessary to meet any identified need.

 

Councillor Lawrence asked why the tree line would be removed and whether the size of the back gardens of current residents will be affected. The Principal Planner confirmed there will be 5 detached houses which will have a rear garden of 14 metres and the existing properties have a generous 35 metres back garden. The back to back distance would be between 45 / 49 metres and the main tree line will remain however they will be removing the excess scrub and bushes.

 

Councillor Shinnick asked the Planning Officer how the vehicles will access the site. The Principal Planner advised there would be a vehicle only access route through Devonshire Road.

 

Councillor Shinnick highlighted that on page 26 point 4.9 it stated there will be 20% of affordable homes. The Principal Planner confirmed that the outline application had put forward 35% of the units as affordable homes. The current application was subject to a viability assessment which showed that the site could deliver 23% affordable homes.

 

Mr Taylor highlighted in the report summary it stated the re-assessment of viability would be undertaken after two years, would this potentially be the case. The Principal Planner referred to the recommendations with a review mechanism being carried out if the application did not progress to a specified number of units within two years.

 

Mr Taylor wanted clarity that the volume of affordable housing would not be reduced. The Principal Planner confirmed that the percentage would be no less than 23%.

 

Ms Edwards, Locum Lawyer added that the s.106 would not necessarily mean the 23% may not change over time. However if such a request was made the LPA could refuse this although the agent would have the option to appeal. This would only be considered after 5 years under the s.106 agreement. 

 

The Chair asked if the contribution towards health services would result in a reduction in contribution to other areas such as education. The Principal Planner confirmed that based on the costs of the development they would not request a larger percentage for affordable homes. If the NHS were to request a contribution ultimately this would have to come off the top line of the development which could mean a reduction in other contributions. 

 

The Chair highlighted that the tree screening was part of the previous application, which meant this was important. The Principal Planner explained the landscaping was a reserved matter on the previous application and therefore any screening shown on the previous plans was indicative.

 

The Chair agreed there would need to be a response from NHS England before making a decision on this application.

 

Councillor Rice pointed out on page 29 it explained the framework, although there would be 102 new homes under doctored. He felt this application should be deferred to allow extra time for discussion with NHS England.

 

Councillor Liddiard asked if there would be a definite plan for a health hub in Grays and would they build within the same time scales. The Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection explained it would need to be discussed with NHS England.

 

Councillor Piccolo agreed for the proposed motion, however he felt there should be a deadline for discussion with NHS England as it would not be fair on the applicant.

 

It was proposed by Councillor Rice and seconded by Councillor Churchman that the application be deferred to allow Planning Officers time to discuss with NHS England.

 

For (7): Councillors Colin Churchman, Andrew Jefferies, Tom Kelly, Angela Lawrence, Terry Piccolo, Gerard Rice, and Sue Shinnick.

 

Against: (1) Councillor Steve Liddiard

 

Abstain: (0)

 

RESOLVED:

 

The item be deferred to enable Officers to consider whether funding could be secured for NHS England to improve local healthcare facilities.