Agenda item
Land rear of 25 to 30 Stonebridge Park (Ref. 17/4203)
Minutes:
PROPOSAL: Development to provide 2 x 2 bedroom houses and 3 x 3 bedroom houses, with car parking, cycle storage, refuse storage, amenity space and landscaping.
RECOMMENDATION: To grant planning permission subject to conditions.
That the Head of Planning is delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out within the Committee report.
That the Head of Planning is delegated authority to make changes to the wording of the committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions, informatives, planning obligations or reasons for the decision) prior to the decision being actioned, provided that the Head of Planning is satisfied that any such changes could not reasonably be regarded as deviating from the overall principle of the decision reached by the committee nor that such change(s) could reasonably have led to a different decision having been reached by the committee.
That the Committee confirms that adequate provision has been made, by the imposition of conditions, for the preservation or planting of trees as required by Section 197 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.
Damian Manhertz (Area Planning Team Leader) introduced the report and answered members’ questions. With reference to the supplementary report, he corrected the typographical error in the main report.
Ms. Amanda Ruth Witham (objector) raised concerns about lack of residents’ engagement by the applicants for the scheme which in her view would result in parking chaos, detrimental impact on the safety of children in the current play area and an increase in crime due to overcrowding.
Councillor Knight, ward member, stated that she had been approached by her residents in connection with the application. Councillor Knight, although affirmed her support of the principle of development of the site and the provision of affordable homes, expressed some concerns on behalf of her constituents. She called for measures which would maintain residential and neighbouring amenity including elimination of potential overlooking and maintenance of adequate separation distances. Councillor Knight also requested that adequate measures be put in place to prevent parking overspill in the area which was characterised by heavily parked streets and added that the applicant be advised by an informative to strengthen community engagement.
Ms. Kerry Csuka (applicant’s agent) explained that the proposed development would maintain a separation distance of 18m, adhere to the 30 – 45 degree principle and result in improved amenity space provision. He added that the resulting natural surveillance from the development would enhance children’s safety in the area.
In the ensuing discussion, members invited officers to shed light on the issues raised by the speakers in respect affordable homes, privacy, parking and protection of trees. Mr Manhertz clarified the above mentioned issues. He continued that the presence of homes in the vicinity would itself help to discourage any potential anti-social behaviour, In respect of consultation, he added that as a scheme of that size would not warrant an exhibition, some 161 letters of consultation were sent to local residents and interested parties.
DECISION: Granted planning permission as recommended.
(Voting for approval was unanimous as follows: For 8, Against 0 and Abstain 0)
Supporting documents:
- 17.4203 Land rear of 25 to 30 Stonebridge Park, item 8. PDF 637 KB
- 17.4203 - supp - Land rear of 25 to 30 Stonebridge Park, item 8. PDF 105 KB