Issue - meetings

Description of application – Demolition of 5 existing houses and associated structures and erection of 28 residential units comprising an apartment block with 9x1 bed and 11x2 bed units and 8x3 bed houses together with basement car parking with access from Saltwood Close, surface level car parking, cycle parking, refuse and recycling facilities and associated landscaping.

Oral representations from a local resident in objection to the application raised the following issues:

·  The scheme had not been reduced in size as requested.

·  The overall development was not in keeping with the surrounding area.

·  The three storey building would overlook Nos. 2-14 Winchester Road.

·  Local residents would prefer a scheme consisting of terraced houses with gardens.

·  The junction by the BP garage was very busy and especially dangerous to parents walking their children to school.

Oral representations from the applicant’s agent in support of the application included the following points:

·  The site was currently underused.

·  The scheme consisted of high quality new homes much needed for young professionals and young families.

·  33 parking spaces would be provided, the majority to be located in a basement car park.

·  The scheme supported the aim of redevelopment of small sites.

·  A CIL contribution would be made.

·  There would be passive provision of electric vehicle charging points.

·  None of the units would be used as HMOs.

·  A help-to-buy scheme would be made available.

·  The development was only marginally viable due to the high land value which was more than twice that envisaged by the Council.

In response to a question from Councillor Boughey, the agent explained that the provision of 35% affordable housing could not be factored into the scheme because the existing land value equated to more than twice the value envisaged when the Council looked into the viability process. However, a sum of £99,000 would be paid as a contribution to affordable housing.

Councillor Page asked why the applicant had designed a scheme that was so out of keeping with the character of the area. The agent advised that Saltwood Close included a flatted development area whereas Charterhouse Road consisted of more suburban-type properties. The proposed scheme therefore complemented the current layout of mixed dwellings.

The Development Management Area Team Leader summarised the report in a brief presentation to the Committee which included the following:-

·  Site photographs, site plan and CGI from the application submission were circulated to Members.

·  Planning permission was sought for the demolition of a total of 5 existing detached and semi-detached houses.

·  Erection of a 3 storey block of 20 flats located at the junction of Winchester Road/Charterhouse Road and Saltwood Close.

·  Erection of a terrace of 3 bedroom houses comprising 4x3 storey units and 1x2 storey unit facing Saltwood Close.

·  Erection of a terrace of 3 x 2 storey houses facing Winchester Road

·  A total of 28 residential units.

·  The application would provide a net increase in housing which was a meaningful contribution of 23 additional units towards the housing supply in the Borough.

·  The application had been assessed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 54