Issue - meetings

Application for erection of nine detached dwellings.

Late items received after publication of main agenda:

Consultations:-

Since publication of the agenda one further neighbour letter has been received raising the following points;

·         I was not notified of the date of this hearing, I heard about it via a neighbour. When I contacted planning to explain this they did send me a link to the information. However since then I have learnt that other neighbours who opposed have not been sent the information either.

·         Previous approval was for 3 properties, and nothing fundamental has changed which would suddenly make the building of 9 properties acceptable.

·         The line of splay visibility to the east is likely to be substandard as the road bends round. It should be a triangle 2.4m back from the kerb for 43m along the road each way.

·         A balcony is usually positioned so a nice view may be appreciated. Balconies on these proposed plans will impact on the privacy of existing properties as the ‘view’ will be our gardens and our rear outlook. The view will not be their own ‘grounds’ as the gardens that have been planned are disproportionately small relative the size of the house.

Appraisal:-

Officers checked the system and can confirm that a letter or e-mail has been sent to everyone who made a comment on the application, therefore contributors have been notified of Committee in accordance with correct procedure.

Whilst planning permission has been granted for three dwellings on the site previously, this does not prevent the consideration of a scheme for nine dwellings, on its own merits. The material considerations are set out within the report to committee.

The Committee report contains a highway safety section at paragraph 8.30 onwards (page 113 of the agenda). Whilst the Highways Design Guide sets out junction visibility, this is applicable to adoptable public highways, which this section of Breach Lane is not. Nonetheless, the junction at the access to the new development and Breach Lane is considered acceptable. Allowing for two way vehicle movement with approaching traffic coming from one direct at relatively low speeds.

Amended plans have been received which details a screen to prevent overlooking from the proposed dwellings, in to the adjoining plots. With regards to privacy of existing neighbours, the balconies are considered to be a sufficient distance from boundaries with neighbouring gardens for acceptable levels of private amenity to be maintained. Furthermore, the layout of the proposed dwelling in relation to neighbouring plots means that overlooking of private amenity space is limited.

Recommendation:-

The recommendation does not change from that as printed on the agenda.

Application for erection of nine dwellings.

An objector and the applicant spoke on this application.

Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted, it was moved by Councillor R Allen and seconded by Councillor C Allen that the development would not complement and enhance the character of the area and was detrimental to highway safety and should therefore be refused. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was LOST.

It was subsequently moved by Councillor Flemming, seconded by Councillor Lynch and

RESOLVED –

(i)            Permission be granted subject to:

a.    The completion of a legal agreement to secure off site play and open space contributions

b.    The conditions contained in the officer’s report

(ii)          The Planning Manager be granted powers to determine the final detail of the planning conditions and legal agreement.