Issue - meetings

Application for erection of six detached dwellings.

Late items received after preparation of main agenda:

Consultations:-

The following third party objection has been received following the publication of the Committee agenda making the following points:

-       No reference is made to the recommendations previously made towards application 17/0127/FUL in the Agenda Item for the Committee meeting of May 10th.

-       Concern that without the establishment of a Root Protection Zone, the development proposed on Plot 5 will cause irreparable harm to this rather lovely tree.

-       I am concerned that without the establishment of a Root Protection Zone, the development proposed on Plot 5 will cause irreparable harm to this rather lovely tree (perhaps even affecting its long-term high-wind stability).

The following comments have been received from the HBBC Tree Officer following the publication of the Committee agenda making the following points:

Tree Protection Plan

The Tree Protection Plan and site plans are not accurate in where the tree positions are plotted but the TPP has a barrier specification which should be suitable and protection zone radii have been specified. Trees along the rear boundary should not be a major constraint in the proposed site layout - if any garages for plots 2-4 are located at least 2m. outside the root protection area (rpa) or any parking spaces located outside the rpa.

It is five years since the Arb consultant inspected the site for his report and matters may have changed significantly since then. It has only been validated by the author for two years and is not a thorough assessment of the health and condition of the trees. Details should be updated. An accurate and current TPP should be submitted.

Proposed condition wording should the application be approved:

No work shall commence on site until trees on and adjacent to the site have been securely fenced off with protective barriers to form a construction exclusion zone in accordance with BS 5837:2012 Tree in relation to design, demolition and construction.  A Tree Protection Plan shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.  Within the protected areas there shall be no alteration to ground levels, no compaction of the soil, no stacking or storing of any materials and no service trenches shall be dug unless first agreed in writing by the Authority.

Reason - To ensure the existing trees are adequately protected during construction in the interests of the visual amenities of the area. In accordance with Policy 6 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD.

Tree surgery

The pruning recommendations are vague and not suitable for trees protected by TPO.

It is essential that the ivy is cut near ground level and later stripped from the trees when it has withered to allow the stems and main branches to be fully inspected.

Proposed condition for Schedule of tree works should the application be approved:

No development shall commence on site until a detailed arboricultural works programme to be carried  ...  view the full agenda text for item 414

Application for erection of six detached dwellings.

An objector, the agent and the ward councillor spoke on this item.

Notwithstanding the officer’s recommendation that permission be granted, members felt that the proposal constituted over-development of the site and was out of keeping with the character and appearance of the area and was therefore contrary to policy DM10 of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD. It was moved by Councillor Gibbens, seconded by Councillor Bray and unanimously

RESOLVED – permission be refused for the abovementioned reasons.