Description of application – Demolition of 4 pairs of semi-detached two storey

houses and one detached bungalow and erection of one part 3/part 4 storey building at 18-28 Homefield Rise comprising 37 x 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with 22 parking spaces (Block A/Phase 1). Erection of one part 3/part 4 storey building at 38-44 Homefield Rise comprising 31 x 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with 20 parking spaces (Block B/Phase 2). Erection of cycle and refuse stores. Associated landscaping and tree planting (Amended Description).

Oral representations on behalf of Lancing Residents’ Association in objection to the application were received.

Oral representations from the applicant’s agent in support of the application were received. In response to questions from Members, the agent reported that:-

·  the Section 106 obligation would apply to Phase 3.  In regard to Phase 3, an agreement had already been reached with three of the owners and discussions were taking place with the owner of the fourth property.  He was confident that Phase 3 would come to fruition; and

·  the applicant was willing to provide 100% car parking spaces with electric charging points.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from visiting Ward Member Councillor Tunnicliffe who considered that the scheme provided adequate privacy and minimised overlooking. The development also included the correct percentage of affordable housing. The proposed 1 and 2 bedroom units would enable young people to step onto the property ladder, were suitable for small families and ideal for older residents wishing to downsize. The development would regenerate the area and improve the environment. The scheme offered a solution to provide much needed appropriate housing at affordable prices in Orpington.

The Development Management Team Leader – Major Developments, gave the following updates:-

·  The applicant had secured an option agreement with one of the landowners living in Phase 3, as opposed to 3 options agreements as stated in the committee report. 

·  The other 2 option agreements (referred to in the report) were completed with a third party (an agent) and one of the agreements was expiring on the 27 Dec 2020.  

·  There were 17 bus routes within 5 mins walk; page 35 and paragraph 6.5.6 references 13 in error.

·  The 2 year car club members’ head of terms on page 76 should say 20 free hours per dwelling.

Opening the debate, the Chairman considered this scheme was an improvement on the previous application. The buildings would be set further back and would provide much-needed housing. The scheme included an attractive landscaping plan and overall the development would regenerate the local area. The Chairman moved that the application be permitted.

The Development Management Team Leader – Major Developments confirmed that the provision of bat boxes, bird boxes and swiftbricks would be conditioned and include a requirement that they be replaced at end of life.

Councillor Harris seconded the motion for permission, stating that there was a desperate need for this type of housing and that all issues had been addressed.

Councillor Mellor raised concerns as to whether the S106 Agreement was sound. He objected to the application on the grounds of overdevelopment stating that housing should not be provided at the cost of everything else.

Councillor Boughey noted that the area was designated in the Local Plan as a development site for housing. Privacy screening was adequate and overlooking minimised.

Councillor Fawthrop was concerned that the entire scheme would not be completed which would impact on the street scene if Phase 3 were to fail. He moved that the application be refused on the grounds of building height and insufficient information to prove that the entire scheme would be delivered. Councillor Mellor seconded the motion.

Having considered the report, objections and representations, Members RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE GRANTED SUBJECT TO THE PRIOR COMPLETION OF A SECTION 106 AGREEMENT as recommended and subject to the conditions and informatives set out in the report of the Assistant Director, Planning and Building Control.  A further two conditions requiring the provision and replacement of bat boxes, bird boxes and swiftbricks and the provision of 100% electric car charging points were added.