Decision details

The report before Members concerned an outline planning application for the demolition of an existing care home and the erection of five new dwellings and an access road.

With its agreement Councillor Roger Ramsey addressed the Committee.

Councillor Ramsey commented that he was speaking on behalf of concerned residents. Councillor Ramsey also commented that the proposal had been increased in size from the four dwellings agreed by the planning inspectorate to five dwellings that had also increased in height by adding an extra half storey. The new proposal increased the density on the site by 25% and was contrary to the guidance set out in the Emerson Park Policy Area Supplementary Policy Document. Councillor Ramsey concluded by commenting that the proposal was a harmful overdevelopment of the area and that there were further issues relating to access, egress, fire safety and refuse arrangements that needed to be considered in more detail.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector with a response by the applicant’s agent.

The objector commented that residents had concerns regarding the increased density of the site and possible overlooking issues. The objector also commented that the planning inspectorate had been very specific in its guidance when allowing the applicant’s appeal that the proposed dwellings should only be two storeys in height. The objector concluded by commenting that the proposal would lead to increased traffic movements and noise pollution.

In response the applicant’s agent commented that the proposal would have no detrimental impact or be harmful to the Emerson Park area or lead to overlooking of neighbouring properties. The agent concluded by commenting that the proposal was a well-designed and suitable development that would provide quality residential accommodation in the area.

During the debate Members sought and received clarification regarding access/egress arrangements, visibility splays and site dimensions.

The report recommended that planning permission be approved however, following a motion to refuse the approval of planning permission it was RESOLVED that planning permission be refused on the following grounds:

·       The development, by reasons of the plot layout and the extent of built form introduced into the existing open garden layout, would give rise to a development that was out of keeping with/harmful to the spacious character of the Emerson Park Policy Area.

·       Lack of infrastructure contribution towards education provision.