Agenda item

(Councillor Strengiel re-joined the meeting)

The Assistant Director for Planning:

1. advised that the application sought Outline planning permission for the principle of residential development for a parcel of land on Derwent Street, currently occupied by 18 single storey lock-up garages, with permission sought for up to 4 dwellings

2. described the application site at Derwent Street situated off Carholme Road, a one-way street characterised by two storey terrace properties

3. highlighted that the application was brought to Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Neil Murray

4. provided details of the policies pertaining to the application, as follows:

·         Policy LP26: Design and Amenity

·         National Planning Policy Framework

5. advised Planning Committee of the main issues to be considered as part of the application to assess the proposal with regards to:

·         Principle of the Development

·         Visual Amenity and Design

·         Impact on Neighbours

·         Technical Matters

6. outlined the responses made to the consultation exercise

7. concluded that:

The Committee considered the content of the report in further detail.

The following comments/questions emerged from discussions held:

·         Comment: Availability of parking space was a planning consideration. Resident’s parking had been introduced in the area due to serious problems. It was of concern that the development would generate additional vehicles in an area that already had existing parking problems.

·         Question: What was the officer’s view on the reason why there had only been one public objection received to the proposal?

·         Comment: Following a site visit it was noted that cars were parked both sides of the road. It was a very busy street. When the garages were demolished and replaced by housing there would be more on-street parking.

·         Comment: The Highway Authority referred to one car parking space provided per dwelling, which was doubtful according to available space, however, the application before us this evening sought Outline planning permission, provision of car parking spaces could be dealt with at Reserved Matters stage.

The Assistant Director of Planning offered the following point of clarification to members:

·         This application was Outline, the plan was indicative only, however it showed that four dwellings could be accommodated on the site. The detail of the application was to be dealt with at a later stage.

·         Car parking was a material planning consideration; given the sustainable location, nature, and size of the site it was considered that one car parking space per unit could be achieved and was acceptable.

Councillor Burke requested that subject to grant of Outline planning permission this evening, a condition be imposed for the detailed application to be brought back to Planning Committee.

The Assistant Director of Planning highlighted that it was within the member’s right to request that the application be called back to committee at Reserved Matters stage.

Councillor Burke suggested that it was in the Assistant Director’s gift to bring the application back to committee.

The Assistant Director of Planning gave an assurance that the Reserved Matters application would be brought back to Planning Committee although it was not possible to impose this as a condition.

RESOLVED that the Outline planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

Conditions

• The development hereby permitted shall be begun either within three years of the date of this permission
• The development hereby approved shall be carried out in accordance with the drawings
• Off street parking provision
• Flood Risk Assessment
• Surface water drainage