Agenda item

To consider the planning applications contained in the list.

 

The Committee considered the applications in the *Plans List.

 

Note: *List previously circulated.

 

a)    23/00129/MFUL – Erection of 13 affordable dwellings following demolition of 4 existing dwellings and garage blocks with associated parking, landscaping and works at Dwelling Block 2 - 8 Holly Road and Garage Blocks Sycamore Road, Tiverton.

 

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The site currently comprised of 4 existing dwellings and a number of dilapidated garage blocks which would be removed and replaced with 13 affordable dwellings, which would form part of the Council’s affordable housing stock.

·         The site location was on the corner of Holly Road and Sycamore Road.

·         The main issues raised were principle of development, design and impact on surroundings, residential amenity, highways and parking, flood risk and drainage, impact on protected species and habitats/biodiversity and climate change.

·         The properties comprised of 3 terraced houses with 2 bedrooms and a larger block of 10 properties with 1 bedroom.

·         All units built would comply with the National Space Standards.

·         28 parking spaces would be provided and the site also included secure bike storage.

·         The scheme also provided for the storage of waste and recycling through the provision of external storage space with the provision of a communal bin area for the other properties that would not have storage provided.

·         The front elevation would be cream rendered half way with metal standing seam external cladding at the first floor and to the roof.

·         Solar Photovoltaics (PV) panels would be installed on the roof slopes of the building.

·         There was a mix of private gardens and communal landscaped areas.

·         Due to the time that the application was submitted there were no requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) however it would provide a BNG of 13.57% in habitat units and 916.15% in hedgerow units.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Whether the units were on a level access as the properties were being built on a slope. 

It was AGREED that delegated authority be given to the Development Management Manager to check the plans in more detail regarding the design of the properties.

·         The communal gardens and who would manage and maintain them going forward for the lifetime of the development and the amendment of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that condition 8 would be amended regarding the communal gardens and who would be responsible for the maintenance of them.

·         Recycling and bin storage and the inclusion of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that additional conditions would be included regarding recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and delegated authority be given to the Development Management Manager to check the plans in more detail regarding the decision of the properties and to amend condition 8 to reflect the management and maintenance of the communal gardens and to draft additional conditions regarding the recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

 

(Proposed by Cllr B Holdman and seconded by Cllr G Duchesne).

 

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

 

Notes:-

 

(i)            Laura Eimermann spoke on behalf of the Applicant.

(ii)          Cllr M Farrell and Cllr G Czapiewski spoke as Ward Members.

 

b)    24/00039/FULL - Erection of 7 affordable dwellings with car parking, landscaping and other minor works following demolition of existing garages at Land at NGR 303611 111116, Somerlea, Willand.

 

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The application was for the erection of 7 affordable dwellings on disused Council-owned land off Somerlea, Willand, which would form part of the Council’s affordable housing stock.

·         A total of 12 car parking spaces would be provided.

·         The main issues raised were principle of development, design and impact on surroundings, residential amenity, highways and parking, flood risk and drainage, impact on protected species and habitats/biodiversity and climate change.

·         All units would be built to comply with the National Space Standards.

·         The properties would comprise of a rendered finish with a metal standing seam roof.

·         Solar PV panels would be installed on the roof slopes of the building.

·         The storage of waste and recycling would be provided through the provision of a secured communal refuse storage area.

·         Due to the time that the application was submitted there were no requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) however it would provide a BNG of 20.63% in habitat units.

·         The Highways Authority had no concerns with regard to the single access track to the site.

 

In response to the public questions the Area Team Leader answered as follows:-

 

Barry Warren

Questions 1 and 2

It had been confirmed that the site was originally a Garage Ground Rent site, however most of the garages had now been removed. There were 5 of the original garages that remained tenanted. Those tenants would be served notice once planning permission was obtained. Otherwise there was no legal right to park, despite the use by some local residents.

 

While some local residents would no longer be able to park on the site, which they had no right to do, several of the vehicles were owned by a local business that had been using the site to park vehicles and carry out business activities, much of which would not be able to take place on the public highway.

 

As indicated in the report, and as raised in the following question, it was indicated that there was a likelihood that residents may have a lower vehicle ownership rate, which could allow the allocation of one space per property, with other spaces being unallocated.

 

Question 3

No. This statement was based on fact. While it was not suggested that all tenants would not have more than one vehicle, figures released by the Office of National Statistics did clearly show that occupiers of Council social rented properties did generally have lower vehicle ownership levels than other tenure types.

 

Paul Elstone

Question 2

This related to a property directly opposite one of the units, which did not have any windows on its gable end. There were two roof lights, however these were set higher than the windows of the proposed unit, and at an angle, at which it was considered that there would be reduced levels of overlooking, which would not be unacceptable to the occupiers of that property, and future residents. This property also had its main window on the north facing elevation, with roof lights to both roof slopes for additional light.

 

Question 3

The location of the waste storage area was considered to be acceptable. I did run this past the Environmental Health Officer before they left and they did not raise any concerns. It was suggested that provision of signage for users could assist with management of the bin store area. It was suggested by Mr Elstone that the bin storage area could become smelly and attract flies and wasps, as bins were only collected every three weeks. Despite this, food waste should not be placed in bins, with separate food waste collection made on a weekly basis.

 

Questions 4 and 5

Not relevant to planning, unable to answer.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         The communal gardens and who would manage and maintain them going forward for the lifetime of the development and the amendment of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that condition 7 would be amended regarding the communal gardens and who would be responsible for the maintenance of them.

·         Recycling and bin storage and the inclusion of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that additional conditions would be included regarding recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

·         Whether the tenants would be eligible for “Right to Buy”?  It was confirmed that this would be the case.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions including the prior completion of a S106.  Delegated authority be given to the Development Management Manager to amend condition 7 to reflect the management and maintenance of the communal gardens and to draft additional conditions regarding recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

 

(Proposed by Cllr F J Colthorpe and seconded by Cllr M Jenkins).

 

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

 

Notes:-

 

(i)            Elizabeth Lawrence spoke on behalf of the Applicant.

(ii)          Debbie Bird, Parish Clerk for Willand spoke on behalf of the Parish Council.

(iii)         Cllr A Glover spoke as the Ward Member.

 

 

c)    23/00118/MFUL - Erection of 18 affordable dwellings following demolition of 10 existing dwellings with associated vehicular and pedestrian access, parking, landscaping and associated works at School Close, Bampton, Tiverton.

 

The Area Team Leader outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The application was for the erection of 18 affordable dwellings following the demolition of 10 existing properties which would form part of the Council’s affordable housing stock.

·         The main issues raised were principle of development, design and impact on surroundings, impact on heritage assets, residential amenity, highways and parking, flood risk and drainage, impact on protected species and habitats/biodiversity and climate change.

·         The properties would comprise of a mixture of 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroomed homes.

·         The properties would comprise of a rendered finish with a metal standing seam roof.

·         Solar PV panels would be installed on the roof slopes of the building.

·         Plans were amended to ensure all rooms met and complied with the National Space Standards.

·         Due to the time that the application was submitted there were no requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) however the landscaping provided a BNG of 20.85% in habitat units and 295.11% in hedgerow units.

 

In response to the public questions the Area Team Leader answered as follows:-

 

Duncan Manning

Question 1

This matter had been discussed, with the approved plans amended to include indicative locations for raised beds. It was not considered appropriate to condition these, as the provision of allotment space/raised beds was not necessary in order to make the development acceptable. As such, a condition to that effect would not meet the ‘tests for conditions’. It was noted that the Council as landowner had indicated a willingness to discuss the matter of providing raised beds, outside of the planning process.

 

Denise McGowan

Question 1

The points raised are all answered in the officer report, however to clarify, no play area is proposed. The space referred to was an open communal landscaped area. The triangular area of land referenced also has no intended use other than forming part of the landscaped area providing biodiversity net gains.

 

Mr Atkins

Question 1

Unable to comment on the need for the type of accommodation being lost, however the development would provide for a much needed affordable (socially rented) accommodation, with the terrace replacing the existing bungalows providing two 2 bed homes, and six 1 bed homes. Again confirmation was provided that no play area was proposed.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Whether the properties were currently vacant – it was confirmed that the properties would be vacant by June 2024.

·         The communal gardens and who would manage and maintain them going forward for the lifetime of the development and the amendment of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that condition 8 would be amended regarding the communal gardens and who would be responsible for the maintenance of them.

·         Recycling and bin storage and the inclusion of a condition regarding this.

It was AGREED that additional conditions would be included regarding recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and delegated authority be given to the Development Management Manager to amend condition 8 to reflect the management and maintenance of the communal gardens and to draft additional conditions regarding recycling/bin storage to ensure provisions were in place prior to occupation.

 

(Proposed by Cllr J Downes and seconded by Cllr B Holdman).

 

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

 

Notes:-

 

(i)            Elizabeth Lawrence spoke on behalf of the Applicant.

(ii)          Cllr C Adcock spoke as the Ward Member.

 

d)    23/01381/FULL - Erection of 6 dwellings following demolition of 4 existing dwellings at 7-10 Wordland Cross, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Crediton

 

The Principal Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The application was for the erection of 6 dwellings following demolition of 4 existing dwellings.

·         The main issues raised were policy and principle of development, highways impacts and parking, design and amenity issues, impact on the character and appearance of the rural area, ecology and biodiversity, flood risk and drainage.

·         The application included small gardens and a layby parking area for 12 parking spaces.

·         The dwellings included solar panels to the North East and South West elevations.

·         The properties would comprise of a brick plinth, painted render walling, cladding, slate tile roofs and uPVC windows and doors.

·         Each property would have individual bin/recycling storage.

 

In response to the public questions the Principal Planning Officer answered as follows:-

 

Paul Elstone

Question 1

We are required to determine the application before us on its merits and, as set out in the officer report, the design of the scheme was considered to be acceptable in this context therefore any possible alternative approaches to construction on the site were not considered to be relevant at this stage.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Why the properties were set further back than the current properties.  It was explained this was to accommodate parking and recycling storage.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions.

 

(Proposed by Cllr F Letch and seconded by Cllr J Downes).

 

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.

 

Notes:-

 

(i)            Cllr F J Colthorpe spoke as the Ward Member.

 

e)    24/00250/MFUL - Variation of Condition 2 and Removal of Conditions 24 and 25 of planning permission 21/00128/MFUL - Erection of 86 dwellings to include public open space, landscape planting, pedestrian, cycle and vehicular links; and associated infrastructure - to allow self build units (plots 195-199) to be open market units at Land at NGR 298634 113714 (Braid Park), Uplowman Road, Tiverton.

 

The Area Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report by way of a presentation and highlighted the following:-

 

·         The application sought to vary Condition 2 of the Application and remove Conditions 24 and 25.

·         5 of the plots were identified as custom and self-build units through a S106 agreement.

·         After a 22 month marketing period the plots were not sold.

·         The application was to now regularise the planning conditions to remove the reference to self-build and to allow construction of 5 units and 5 single garages on the site in keeping with the existing dwellings.

·         Main issues raised were loss of custom and self-build plots, affordable housing provision and surface water discharge.

·         The application for 5 open market units did not reach the threshold to make contributions in the form of affordable housing as the original 2013 application had previously secured the affordable housing provision and had been provided.

 

Discussion took place regarding:-

 

·         Whether there was sufficient drainage.  It was confirmed that further drainage works had been carried out which the Flood Authority had overseen.

 

It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to conditions and a Deed of Variation to the S106 Agreement.

 

(Proposed by Cllr S Clist and seconded by Cllr F J Colthorpe)

 

Reason for the Decision – as set out in the report.