Erection of 8no new dwellings and alterations to vehicular access.

The Planning and Enforcement Officer introduced the application for the erection of 8 new dwellings and alterations to vehicular access and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

The Planning and Enforcement Officer, in reference to paragraph 6.1.4 of the Officer’s report noted the latest figures for housing development in the Community Cluster of Longden, stating that there was currently a total of 20 completions and 41 commitments. He pointed out that this application was for 8 dwellings comprising four 2 bedroom dwellings and four 3 bedroom dwellings, making a total of 20 bedrooms, and the extant planning permission for 6 dwellings was for four 3 bedroom dwellings and two 4 bedroom dwellings also making a total of 20 bedrooms. The Planning and Enforcement Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included representations from the Parish Council and advised Members that if they were minded to approve the application he recommended that a condition in relation to adequate bin storage be added to any permission granted.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1), Councillor Roger Evans addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During his statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         The road was subject to speeding and this had been acknowledged by the Police;

·         The location was a rural village and not an urban setting; and

·         He was concerned in relation to the increase in housing numbers as referred to in paragraph 6.1.5 of the Officer’s report; and

·         Urged the Committee to refuse the application.

In line with his declaration at Minute 96, Councillor Keith Roberts made a statement in relation to the application and then left the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.

The Planning and Enforcement Officer responded to concerns raised by the speakers, noting that the construction management plan would limit the site working hours; the area currently used for parking was an informal arrangement and was not designated for parking; he acknowledged that the housing guidelines in Policy MD3 had been exceeded but noted the perceived benefits in regards to the application which included the redevelopment of a brownfield site.

Members questioned if it was possible for the Bus Shelter to remain in the current location. In response, Mr Groves, agent for the applicant indicated that this was acceptable.

Having considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all the speakers, Members unanimously expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation subject to an amendment to the conditions in relation to the location of the Bus Shelter and an additional condition with regard to bin storage in relation to development on site.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted, subject to:

•   The conditions as set out in Appendix 1;

•   An amendment to the conditions in relation to the location of the Bus Shelter; and

•   An additional condition with regard to bin storage in relation to development on site.