Agenda item

This report before members concerned an application for the demolition of the existing coach works buildings and the associated bungalow and the erection of nine dwellings in the form of eight houses and one flat over garages. The proposal would also involve the removal of extensive hard landscaping and the creation of an open space and flood alleviation measures adjoining the Ingrebourne River.

Officers advised that the flood risk posed by the development did not meet the sequential test but met the terms of the exceptional test.

Members were advised that a letter of representation had been received from LFCDA requesting that the access road be of a minimum width of 4.7 metres.

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

The objector raised concerns over waste collection and the development of Unit 9 as this unit fell within open Green Belt land and was considered to be out of keeping with the streetscene. The objector suggested that units 1-8 would be consistent with the design of other properties in the area.

Speaking in response the applicant confirmed that the intention of the development was to improve the area through the removal of the coach depot and the return of a significant proportion of the site to open Green Belt land. 

During the debate members received clarification on  the historic use of the site; the site’s proximity to neighbouring properties; provision for refuse storage; and protection of that part of the site to be retained as undeveloped Green Belt land. 

Members commented that the current use of the land was not in keeping with the streetscene and felt that the proposed development would improve the site.

Members noted that the proposed development would be liable for a Mayoral CIL payment of £8,960 and it was RESOLVED that the proposal was unacceptable as it stood but would be acceptable subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Legal Agreement under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended), to secure the following:

• A financial contribution of £48,000 to be used towards infrastructure costs in accordance with the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document.

• All contribution sums would 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.

• A scheme of management and maintenance of the new open area adjoining the River Ingrebourne in perpetuity

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

• The Developer/Owner to pay the appropriate planning obligation/s monitoring fee prior to completion of the Agreement.

That staff be authorised that upon the completion of the legal agreement that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as set out in the report and to include an additional condition requiring the demolition of the existing coach depot buildings prior to the occupation of Unit number 9.

The vote for the resolution to grant planning permission was carried by 9 votes to 0 with 1 abstention.

Councillor Barrett abstained from voting.