Erection of an affordable dwelling.

The Principal Planner introduced the report and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  With reference to the Conditions as set out in the report, he suggested the following:

·         Condition No. 5 - deletion of the phrase “unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority”; and

·         If approved, delegated authority be granted to attach appropriate conditions relating to the construction of the access, the positioning of any access gates and to ensure that the existing site boundary wall is re-aligned on the visibility splays.

Members had undertaken a site visit and had viewed the site and had assessed the impact of a proposal on the surrounding area. 

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting.

Cllr P Jones, representing Kemberton Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In response to a question from a Member, the Principal Planner provided further clarification on the adopted policy and qualifying criteria for Single Affordable Plot dwellings. 

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15) Councillor Michael Wood, as local Ward Councillor, made a statement.  He then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.  During his statement the following comments were made:

·         There had been no support from the Parish Council or residents for this proposal;

·         The substantial property located next door to this proposal was owned by the applicant;

·         Section 106 could be discarded in 2-3 years;

·         The view of the local people was that it did not meet the criteria for a single plot exception site; and

·         He urged refusal.

Mrs E Southern, the applicant, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  In response to comments, the Solicitor explained that it was highly unlikely that a future request to remove the S106 Legal Agreement would be granted while it continued to serve a planning purpose in securing an affordable dwelling in a location where open market housing would not be likely to be permitted.  Members noted that the application complied with the criteria; local connection had been established; and the property would be affordable in perpetuity.

RESOLVED:

That, as per the Officer’s recommendation, planning permission be granted subject to:

·         A Section 106 Legal Agreement to ensure the dwelling remains affordable in perpetuity;

·         That Planning Officers be granted delegated powers to attach appropriate conditions relating to the construction of the access, the positioning of any access gates and to ensure that the existing site boundary wall is re-aligned on the visibility splays; and

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, subject to the deletion of the following wording as set out in Condition No. 5:

               “unless otherwise approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.”