Issue - meetings

Description of application – Provision of 25 new dwellings comprising 10 x 1 bed and 15 x 2 bed and realignment of Burnt Ash Lane public car park to provide 84 parking spaces, including with 15 residential parking spaces.

Oral representations from a neighbour in objection to the application included comments in regard to:-

·  public car parking provision and the impact on local residents and businesses;

·  insufficient car parking provision for residents;

·  the uncomplimentary design of the development which was out of keeping with its surroundings;

·  loss of privacy to residents;

·  density of the development;

·  issues with overlooking;

·  standard of accommodation; and

·  concerns in regard to the Air Quality Assessment.

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

·  No technical objections to the development were raised by members of the public.

·  The provision of 25 new affordable homes for local people would not cause harm to the residential amenities of neighbouring properties.

·  No technical objections were raised by statutory consultees and no adverse harm had been identified.

·  All relevant surveys to the standard required by statutory consultees had been conducted.

·  The scheme provided much-needed new housing on a Council owned site and made a swift contribution to the Council’s housing supply.

·  The scheme would lead the way in low-carbon affordable housing in the borough and was an exemplar development in terms of sustainability, quality and affordable housing provision.

·  There would be no impact on current site usage in regard to fire access, refuse collection and residential refuse collection.  The existing recycling facilities, electric charging points, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces would be retained or re-provided within the site. A planning condition ensured that the Council would regulate waste management strategy.

·  The existing public car park would remain free to the public with no restriction on parking hours. Parking spaces would be realigned to accommodate the proposed homes. The scheme would provide additional lighting, CCTV and natural surveillance.

·  No objections were raised by Highways, the lead local flood authority or Thames Water.

·  12 swift bricks would be provided to assist activities designed to abate the decline in local swift populations, as recommended by the local RSPB. The introduction of planting and landscaping would also contribute.

·  The Council had no plans to introduce parking charges which addressed the objection from the Roslin Way Leisure Garden and Allotment Association.

The agent made the following statements in response to questions from Members:-

·  The implementation of additional planting (including trees) would be considered.

·  The timescale for possession of the site to completion of the scheme was 35 weeks. The car park would close on week 14 and re-open on week 29.

·  The applicant would be willing to provide 100% active electrical car charging points.

·  The swift bricks were designed to be compatible with modular housing but  would need to be replaced after a certain amount of time which the applicant was willing to do.

·  The proposed staircase and lift would be enclosed and therefore protected from adverse weather  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20