Agenda item

Redevelopment of former allotment site to accommodate a residential development of 79 dwellings (13 x 2 storey houses, 1 x 2 storey flatted block containing 24 dwellings, 1 x 2 storey flatted block containing 28 dwellings, and 1 x 2 storey block containing 14 supported housing units), associated landscaping, boundary treatment, parking and access arrangements.

Recommendation : Delegated for Approval, subject to a Statement of Intent.

Redevelopment of former allotment site to accommodate a residential development of 79 dwellings (13 x 2 storey houses, 1 x 2 storey flatted block containing 24 dwellings, 1 x 2 storey flatted block containing 28 dwellings, and 1 x 2 storey block containing 14 supported housing units), associated landscaping, boundary treatment, parking and access arrangements.

Officers introduced the report advising the committee that an amended plan had been received providing additional parking.  The parking would now provide 2 spaces for the houses and 1 space for the flats.

A Ward Councillor attended the meeting and made the following points:-

• More parking spaces required for the assisted living block.
• Access for refuse collections would be difficult due to the narrow entrance from Burns Close.
• Garden areas for the flats were small.
• The proposal was overdevelopment as original plans provided for 39 dwellings the current proposal was for 79 dwellings.
• The site was next to an estate that was already densely developed.

Officers made the following comments on the issues raised in relation to access for refuse lorries, parking and density.

In regard to density the committee was advised that the original application was for 39 units but this was below the bottom density range for the site.  The access for refuse vehicles had been addressed as one wheel up on footway parking was being introduced.  The developer would be responsible for the works.  Parking for the assisted housing block had been provided at 1 space for 4 units and 1 space for the Warden.  The number of cycle spaces had been decreased as the houses would have access to a garden for storage.

A member still had concerns about access for refuse vehicles due to the sharp bend on the only access. 

Officers advised that Burns Close was outside of the red line site and it was suggested that the Heads of Terms list what was required by the Highway’s Engineer.   The committee agreed to the Heads of Terms including the list of requirements wanted by Highway’s Engineers.

The recommendation was moved, seconded and on being put to the vote there were 5 in favour and 2 against, the recommendation.  The recommendation was therefore agreed. 

Resolved

That delegated powers be given to the Head of Planning, Consumer Protection, Sport and Green Spaces to grant planning permission, subject to the following:

1. That the applicant being the local authority and being the only legal entity with an interest in the land which is the subject of this application, and hence being unable to enter into a section 106 Agreement with the local planning authority, completes a Statement of Intent (Statement) to make provision for the following matters as would a third party developer under a section 106 planning obligation:

i) A s278 shall be entered into to cover any and all highways works need as a result of this application

ii) At least 17.7% (by unit) of the scheme is to be delivered as affordable housing.

iii) A contribution in the sum of £267,427 towards education facilities based upon occupancy of the residential units.

iv) A contribution in the sum of £30,017.46 towards health facilities based upon occupancy of the residential units.

v) A contribution in the sum of 3186.42 towards library facilities equal to £23 per person.

vi) A contribution in the sum of £20,000.00 towards community facilities within the locality.

vii) A contribution in the sum of £52,889.53 towards training schemes will be sought as a result of this application given its nature and scale (£2,500 for every £1 million build cost + number of units/160 x £71,675). The Council's preference is for an in-kind scheme to be delivered on site during the construction phase and we welcome dialogue to discuss this further.

viii) The submission of a Travel Plan including the implementation of a traffic management scheme in Burns Close.

ix) Project Management and Monitoring: a contribution in the sum of £18,680.52 towards project management and monitoring (5% of the total cash contributions secured from this proposal).

2. That the applicant meets the Council's reasonable costs in the preparation of the Statement and any abortive work as a result of the agreement not being completed.

3. That the officers be authorised to negotiate the terms of the proposed

Statement.

4. That if the Statement of Intent is not finalised within a period of 6 months from the date of this resolution, or any other period deemed appropriate by the Head of Planning, Consumer Protection, Sport and Green Spaces, that the application may be referred back to the Committee for determination.

5. That subject to the above, the application be deferred for determination by the Head of Planning, Consumer Protection, Sport and Green Spaces under delegated powers.

6. That if the application is approved, the conditions set out in the officer’s report and addendum sheet circulated at the meeting be attached.  The committee also agreed that the Heads of Terms list what was required by the Highway’s Engineer.