Agenda item

The report before Members concerned an application for the construction of an additional floor to make provision for five self-contained residential units with associated bin stores and cycle storage.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements the Committee was addressed by an objector without a response by the applicant.

The objector commented that there was currently large rubbish bins at the rear of the property which encouraged people to dump large items of furniture in the area. Larger bins for more residents would be restrictive to the pavement area. The objector also commented that the area was in a controlled parking zone and parking provision was limited in the area. The objector concluded that residents wanted a quiet life and did not want to live through building works.

With its agreement Councillor Joshua Chapman addressed the Committee.

Councillor Chapman commented that he was representing the residents of Gibson Court. Councillor Chapman also commented that the proposal would have a significant impact on existing residents’ day to day amenity. Councillor Chapman also commented that he was saddened that the proposal was recommended for approval following two previous refusals. Councillor Chapman also commented that the proposal was equivalent to the final piece of a jigsaw being slotted in and that due to a poorly located refuse arrangement the impact on existing residents’ amenity would be excessive. Councillor Chapman concluded by commenting that existing and future residents’ amenity needed to be protected.

During the debate Members sought and received clarification on issues relating to parking provision and amenity space.

The Committee considered the report, noting that the proposal qualified for a Mayoral CIL contribution of £7.160 and RESOLVED that the proposal was unacceptable as it stood but would be acceptable subject to the applicant entering into a Legal Agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), to secure the following obligations by  and in the event that the Section 106 agreement was not completed by 19 July 2018 the item should be refused:

•           A financial contribution of £30,000 to be used for educational purposes.

•           All contribution sums should include interest to the due date of expenditure and all contribution sums to be subject to indexation from the date of completion of the Section 106 agreement to the date of receipt by the Council.

•           The Developer/Owner to pay the Council’s reasonable legal costs associated with the Legal Agreement prior to the completion of the agreement irrespective of whether the agreement was completed.

•           Payment of the appropriate planning obligations monitoring fee prior to the completion of the agreement.

•           Save for the holder of blue badges that the future occupiers of the proposal would be prohibited from purchasing residents or business parking permits for their own vehicles for any existing, revised or new permit controlled parking scheme.

That the Assistant Director of Development be authorised to enter into a legal agreement to secure the above and upon completion of that agreement, grant planning permission subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

The vote for the resolution to grant planning permission was carried by 7 votes to 0 with 4 abstentions.

Councillors White, Nunn, Martin and Williamson abstained from voting.