Issue - meetings

Re-development of the vacant Site to provide a residential development comprising 131 (C3) residential units, with associated amenity areas, landscaping, car parking and all ancillary and enabling works.

Recommendations: Approve + Sec 106

RESOLVED:  That the application be approved subject to the addendum and the following;

a.    That condition 6(2) be amended to include provision of food waste under refuse;

b.    That condition 6 be amended to include 17 semi mature street trees.

Officers introduced the application, which was seeking approval for a development comprising 131 no. residential units (Use Class C3). It was highlighted that the site had been vacant since 2008.

Officers confirmed that the affordable housing offer was the maximum viable affordable housing provision possible. The proposed development was considered acceptable with regard to its impact on neighbour amenity, access, security, landscaping, and parking provision. Agreed local highway improvement works would complement the intensified use of the site and would  be  a  benefit   of  the  scheme.  It was confirmed that there were to be no windows on the southern elevations, while existing trees would be retained alongside further planting.

Regarding height and scale, it was confirmed that the proposed height was comparable to buildings within local surroundings. A 6m setback would allow planting of street trees which would benefit local air quality. It was highlighted that the units proposed were 3 bed, 5 person units. The application was recommended for approval.

Members raised concerns regarding crime, with reference made to nearby car parks which experienced theft from, and damage to, parked vehicles. Additionally, it was suggested that Millington Road experienced street racing which could endanger any pedestrians from the proposed site. In response, officers advised that the proposed car park was enclosed and secure. Regarding Millington Road, this was confirmed as unadopted highway and the Council therefore did not have power to install speeding measures.

Additional concerns raised included the consideration of density guidelines, bird roosts, overheating, electric vehicle charging points, and the recirculation of grey water within the development.

Regarding density, officers advised that guidelines had been considered within the context of the proposal as a whole, and the recommendation reflected the on-balance consideration that the application was acceptable. On bird roosts, a bird management plan was to be created and consulted on to allay any potential for bird strikes. Overheating mitigation, charging points, and the use of grey water were all conditioned.

Members requested that condition 6(2) be amended to include food waste under refuse arrangements, together with the amendment of condition 6 to mandate 17 semi mature street trees.

The officer’s recommendation, inclusive of the suggested amendments to conditions, was moved, seconded, and when put to a vote, unanimously agreed.

RESOLVED: That the application be approved subject to the addendum and the

following;

a)    That condition 6(2) be amended to include provision of food waste under refuse;

b)    That condition 6 be amended to include 17 semi mature street trees.