Agenda item

The application before Members was for outline permission for the erection of thirty 2 and 3 bedroom dwellings – twenty-two 3 bedrooms and eight 2 bedroom dwellings. 

The matter was brought before the Committee as the application site was Council owned. 

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 the proposed development would lead to a loss of amenity for the existing residents. The objector also commented that the green area was used as a play area for children, was used for community events and was the site of a war memorial. The objector also commented that the site was also the subject of a Village Green application.

In response the applicant’s agent commented that the proposal would provide much needed homes and would comprise of a mixed tenure of low rise properties. The agent also commented that the site was not a designated public open space. The applicant concluded by commenting that there would still be some amenity space at the southern end of the site and that the proposal included a financial contribution to improve the facilities at the nearby Lessa play area.

With its agreement Councillors Michael Deon Burton and David Durant addressed the Committee.

Councillor Burton commented that the proposal was very similar in nature to the previously refused application with just a few minor tweaks. Councillor Burton also commented that the green was in constant use by residents and had also been used for community events. Councillor Burton concluded by commenting that a more appropriate site would be needed for the development as the one chosen, if developed, would lead a cramped overbearing development that would lead to a loss of residents currently living nearby.

Councillor Durant commented that the Council had previously declared its intention to provide 30,000 new homes in the borough but there were more suitable sites rather than using high value green spaces. Councillor Durant concluded by commenting that the previous similar proposal had been refused and that consideration of the current application should be deferred until after a decision on the Village Green status had been taken.

At the Chairman’s discretion Councillor Damian White, Cabinet Member for Housing, addressed the Committee.

Councillor White commented that there was a strong need and desire for housing within the borough. Councillor White also commented that there were approximately 2500 people currently on the Council’s housing waiting list and that the current housing stock was just not sufficient.

During the debate Members discussed the previous planning history of the site and the reasons for the previous refusal of planning permission.

Members also discussed the Village Green application and sought and received clarification from the Committee’s Legal Adviser as to whether determination of the proposal could be undertaken prior to a decision being taken regarding the village green application.

Members also discussed the suitability of the site for re-development with several Members commenting that there were other more suitable brownfield sites in the south of the borough.  

The report recommended that planning permission be granted however following a motion to defer the consideration of the application which was carried by 7 votes to 4 it was RESOLVED that consideration of the application be deferred for further information in regard to:

·         The legal implications of the current Village Green application, together with an update on the current status of the application and the next steps.

·         Whether any other legal processes should have been followed prior to submission of the application, including the appropriation of land.

·         Further details of the walk time to alternative open spaces in the vicinity of the site.

The vote for the resolution to defer consideration of the report was carried by 7 votes to 4.

Councillors Kelly, Donald, Hawthorn, Nunn, Whitney, Martin and Williamson voted for the resolution to defer consideration of the application.

Councillors Misir, Benham, Wallace and White voted against the resolution to defer consideration of the application.