Agenda item

2 x two storey, 3- bed detached dwellings with associated parking and amenity space, involving demolition of existing material shed, office building and material storage shelter.

Recommendation - That the delegated powers be given to the Head of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces, subject to the recommendations in the officers' report.

2 x two storey, 3- bed detached dwellings with associated parking and amenity space, involving demolition of existing material shed, office building and material storage shelter.

Officers introduced the report and referred members to the addendum sheet that had been circulated. 

The application related to a builders yard site at the rear of 81-93 Hilliard Road and seeks permission to erect 2 x two storey, 3- bed detached dwellings with associated parking and amenity space.

The development would be accessed via an existing alley which ran between Nos. 83 and 85 Hilliard Road.  The access route was considered appropriate to service a larger residential development of 3 units under a previous appeal; this decision was a material consideration which must gave significant weight.

In accordance with the Council’s constitution a representative of the petition received in objection of the proposals was invited to address the meeting. The lead petitioner spoke on behalf of the petitioners and raised the following points:

·         The Northwood Hills Residents Association had objections.

·         The development did not harmonize with the surrounding area.

·         The design was over dominant.

·         The proposals were in close proximity to existing properties.

·         The access was too narrow to accommodate vehicles.

·         Threat to safety was a reason for refusal in 2009.

·         There was a high brick wall at the bottom of their gardens.

·         Proposals would result in garden grabbing.

A representative of the applicant raised the following points:

·         The proposals would make use of the existing areas.

·         This application was seeking 2 properties, not the 3 previously proposed.

·         Would replace existing ruined buildings.

·         There would be traditional features and materials used.

·         The proposals were compliant.

·         There would be a 50% reduction of the buildings.

·         The applicant would provide a high quality development.

·         Consultation was undertaken with local residents, unfortunately specific wishes could not be met.

·         Hoped the Committee noted the efforts made.

·         Was important to note that the petitioner had quoted previous planning evidence.

·         The site had been used for the past 23 years as a builder's yard.

A local Ward Councillor spoke regarding the proposals and made the following comments:

·         The agent had gone a long way, but not far enough.

·         Hilliard Road was a narrow road and was often congested.

·         It was hard to find parking on Hilliard Road.

·         There was a Nursery nearby.

·         The proposals were over dominant.

·         Had never observed a lorry on the slip road.

Officers explained that there was a 22.6 separation distance to the rear extension to other houses.  It was further explained that the planning inspector had previously found that the access to the proposed site was acceptable.

The resolution was amended to include a 5% Project management and Monitoring contribution within the legal agreement.

The recommendation for approval with the above change and changes in the addendum was moved, seconded and on being put to the, vote was agreed with 5 votes, with 2 votes against.

Resolved - That delegated powers be given to the Head of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces to grant planning permission, subject to the following:

i) That the Council enters into an agreement with the applicant under Section 106 of  the Town  and Country Planning Act  1990  (as amended) and/or Section  278  of the  Highways  Act  1980  (as  amended)  and/  or  other  appropriate  legislation  to secure:

a)A  contribution  of  £29,953  towards  capacity  enhancements  in  local  educational establishments made necessary by the development;

2.2 That in respect of the application for planning permission, the applicant meets the Council's  reasonable  costs  in  preparation  of  the Section  106 Agreement and any abortive work as a result of the agreement not being completed.

2.3  That  officers  be  authorised  to  negotiate  and  agree  the  detailed  terms  of  the proposed agreement.

2.4 That if any of the heads of terms set out above have not been agreed and the S106  legal  agreement  has  not  been  finalised within  6 months  of  the  date  of  this report,  or any  other period deemed appropriate by  the Head  of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces  then  delegated  authority  be  granted  to  the Head  of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces to refuse the application for the following reason:

'The  development  has  failed  to  secure  obligations  relating  to  capacity enhancements  in  local  educational  establishments  made  necessary  by  the development.  Accordingly, the proposal is contrary to  policies  R17  of  the Hillingdon  Local  Plan:  Part  Two  Saved  UDP  Policies  (November  2012),  the Council's Planning Obligations SPD.'

2.5 That subject to the above, the application be deferred for determination by the Head of Planning, Culture and Green Spaces under delegated powers, subject to the completion of the legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and other appropriate powers with the applicant.

2.6 That the conditions outlined in the officers' report and addendum be imposed.