Issue - decisions

PROPOSAL: Demolition of garages and erection of 4 bungalows with associated car parking spaces, cycle storage, refuse storage and amenity space, 25 communal parking spaces and associated landscaping (Amended description 16.12.18).

RECOMMENDATION: That the Head of Planning be granted delegated authority to issue the planning permission and impose conditions and informatives to secure the matters set out within the report.

That the Head of Planning be granted 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.

Victoria McDonagh (Area Team Leader) introduced the report and answered members’ questions.  She clarified that the scheme for 4 bungalows in place of the garages would provide external amenity space and car parking space for each dwelling unit in addition to 25 car parking spaces and a further 5 informal car parking spaces.  With reference to the supplementary report, she clarified issues relating to affordable rent, impact on trees, fire safety and potential damage from retained trees and the bin storage.  In reiterating the recommendation for approval Ms McDonagh drew members’ attention to amended and additional conditions as set out in the supplementary.

Ms Dawn Condouriodise (objector) raised concerns about the parking situation in the area which she added would be exacerbated by the proposed development.

Mr Manish Bakhda (objector) alleged that as 14 days’ notice had not been given for the meeting, the legal status of the meeting was void.  He continued that there was fire risk and inadequate protection for tree roots, causing risk.

Kerry Radford (applicant’s agent) stated that the proposed infill development would provide the much needed affordable homes with ample amenity spaces and car parking spaces on a site that was under-utilised. He added that all trees proposed to be removed were of low quality and were within the applicant’s site.

In responding to issues raised by the objectors, officers stated that the publication of the report was in compliance with the legal requirements.  In respect of the fire risk, members heard that the proposal would not make the situation materially worse off than at present, that fire safety was covered by Building Regulations and that the turning head at the site could be accessed by fire engines.  Additionally, details of the trees had been reviewed by the council’s Tree Protection Officer who had recommended appropriate conditions as set out in the supplementary report.

John Fletcher (Highways Officer) added that although the parking survey undertaken showed that Kings Drive was heavily parked, the parking situation would be marginally improved by the proposed development.

DECISION: Granted planning permission as recommended subject to amended condition 9, additional conditions 13 and 14 and restrictions on;

i)    permitted development rights (extensions and alterations and conversion to

ii)  houses in multiple occupation (HMO).

(Voting for approval was carried as follows: For 6, Against 2, Abstain 0)