Issue - meetings

Removal of existing garages and hardstanding, and erection of 5 affordable bungalows with associated landscaping, shared drive and car parking (Amended Plans) (Amended Title) on land at Byron Grove, Stonebroom.

(Planning Manager – Development Management)

The Committee considered an application that had been submitted for the removal of existing garages and hardstanding, and erection of 5 affordable bungalows with associated landscaping, shared drive and car parking on land at Byron Grove, Stonebroom. The application had been referred to the Committee because the applicant was Rykneld Homes, the Council’s arm’s length housing company, and objections had been received which meant it could not be dealt with under officer delegated powers.

Planning Committee was recommended to approve the application. The report to Committee explained the reasons for this.

Officers had attributed positive weight to the scheme due to it offering additional housing within the settlement development limits. The report contended that this would be an upgrade on the underutilised garages that currently occupied the site. Officers contended that there were no technical reasons to resist the application and the amenity of existing future occupiers would be safeguarded. Committee heard that late comments, submitted by the Coal Authority, had resulted in two conditions being withdrawn, due to the fact that the Coal Authority were now satisfied that the application site was safe and stable for the proposed development.

Officers concluded that the proposal was in accordance with the policies of the development plan. It was therefore recommended, that the application be approved subject to conditions.

Before the Committee considered the application it heard from D Wright, an objector to the application, and the applicant, N Clark.

Committee considered the application. It took into account the existing access track and garages. It considered the relevant Local and National Planning Policies. These included Local Plan policy SS7 concerning development on unallocated land within settlement limits, and Local Plan policy SDC12 concerning high quality design and place making.

Members discussed the application. Some members considered whether it would have been possible to retain some garage space on the site. It was felt the design of the scheme was necessary to allow for the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) required.

At the conclusion of the discussion Councillor D Hancock and Councillor T Lacey moved and seconded a Motion to approve the application. The motion was put to a vote and agreed.

RESOLVED

That the application be approved, in line with officer recommendations.

That the final wording of the conditions be delegated to the Planning Manager (Development Management).

Conditions