Agenda item

The report before members detailed an application which proposed the construction of four 1 bedroom flats and two 3 bedroom houses. The flats would be within a two storey building to be located at the southern end of the site, which would be linked via a single storey refuse/cycle store building, to the proposed two storey pair of semi-detached houses, which were to be located at the northern end of the site.

In accordance with the public speaking arrangements, the Committee was addressed by an objector with a reply by the applicant.

With its agreement Councillors Keith Darvill and Denis O’Flynn addressed the Committee.

Councillor Darvill commented on the access arrangements between the application site and the existing flats. Councillor Darvill commented that the new proposed parking spaces should not block the access for existing users.

Councillor O’Flynn commented that although other proposed schemes in the area had been advertised for consultation this particular scheme had not been advertised.

Councillor O’Flynn asked that consideration be given to organising a site visit so ward councillors and residents could review the proposed plans.

In reply officers confirmed that any scheme that proposed less than ten dwellings did not need to be advertised.

During the debate members discussed the merits of the scheme and the possibility of overlooking into properties in Straight Road.

Members commented on the wider parking strategy for the Briar Road estate, discussing the parking provision for the area. A member commented that many of the garages were in derelict state and no longer fit for purpose.  Officers advised that 216 garages in the area were un-let and derelict as they were no longer fit for purpose. Officers advised that the parking strategy would create 216 more useable parking spaces than had previously existed.  

Following a motion to refuse planning permission which was lost by 4 votes to 7, it was noted that the proposed development was liable for a CIL payment of £5,860.00 it was 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:

A financial contribution of £36,000 to be used towards infrastructure costs in accordance with the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document.

·      All contribution sums shall 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 is completed.

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

That Staff 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 was carried by 7 votes to 4.

Councillors Hawthorn, Ower, McGeary and Durant voted against the resolution to grant planning permission.