Issue - meetings

REFUSED

Description of Application: Erection of a new building to provide 26 residential units (Use Class C3), together with associated car parking, cycle parking, hard and soft landscaping, tree removal, boundary treatment, access, utilities and other associated works on Land Opposite 165 to 193 Isabella Drive, and the provision of play space to the rear of No’s 138-150 Broadwater Gardens and front of No’s 2-16 Isabella Drive.

The Planning Officer highlighted that the application would result in 26 new residential dwellings which would represent a moderate contribution to the supply of housing within the borough. It was also the case some of the proposed dwellings would be affordable social rented housing. The proposal would also provide accessible and adaptable homes which would meet the minimum internal space standards. The Planning Officer explained that there would be dedicated play areas for children, as well as landscaping and ecological enhancements. There would not be any significant harm to residential amenity and there had been no objections received from Highways. There were no adverse implications that would outweigh the benefits of the proposed development.

It was noted that three late representations had been received, two of these were objections and one was in support of the application.

Oral representations in objection to the application were received at the meeting.

Oral representations in support of the application were received at the meeting.

A letter was presented to the Committee which stated that there were no plans for further house building to be undertaken at Darrick Wood. The letter was dated 2009.

A Member expressed the view that the proposed new play areas would be a significant loss of amenity space which would be difficult to justify. The agent for Keniston Housing Association said that the provision was beyond the minimum requirements of planning policy. The Member expressed concern at the lack of face to face consultation with residents and the possible loss of light to those residents facing the proposed development, as it seemed as if the development was being built on a hill. The agent responded that a daylight survey was undertaken which indicated that there would be no noticeable impact.

The Committee also discussed matters relating to electric car charging points and water conservation.

The Chairman stated that the residents had put in an application for a community green. He asked the agent for Keniston if he was aware of this and whether or not Keniston would be prepared to delay this application until the application for a community green had been dealt with. The Council's legal representative said that processing the application for a community green could take up to two years. The agent consulted with representatives from Keniston who indicated that they did not wish to delay the application.

A Member stated that this area of land was a communal area for the local community and was not just a children’s play area. There was also a section of the current development that had been built specifically for residents with disabilities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26