Agenda item

MP introduced the application as above, saying that officers have worked closely with the applicants to secure improvements to the lay-out, reducing the number of dwellings from 35 to 30 units, with three affordable housing units included.  Additional information was provided by County Highways and Leading Local Flood Authority in response to officer concerns, and it is now felt that the proposal is in line with local and national policy and that permission should be granted, subject to an  S106 agreement regarding affordable housing, education and libraries, and a number of conditions.  It is at Committee at the request of Councillor Lillywhite, in view of the potential impact on neighbouring amenity.

Public Speaking:

Ms Catherine Sheppard, applicant, in support

Introduced herself as Planning Manager at Newland Homes, a Gloucestershire-based business, presenting plans for redevelopment of 100-102 Prestbury Road, with an officer recommendation to permit homes and associated works.  This recommendation follows extensive discussions with planning officers since the application was submitted at the end of June.  The number of dwellings has been reduced from 35 to 30, with a mix of styles from one-bedroomed apartments to four-bedroomed houses, inspired by recently constructed houses in the area and offering a contemporary style.  As the site has been largely vacant for a number of years, and many of the on-site buildings have deteriorated, vacant building credit has been applied resulting in three affordable housing units.   Access from the adoptable highway to the site has previously been approved, and a recently signed agreement with Marchants Coaches allows associated works in the area to be carried out.  As CBC currently cannot demonstrate a 5-year housing supply, these 30 homes will make a positive contribution on a site which at present makes no contribution – it is important that this brownfield site is given the opportunity to be developed. Newland Homes prides itself on understanding the locations in which it builds and developing sites which enhance an area and where people want to live.   Officers say the proposal will enhance to area, providing new homes on a brownfield site, to be enjoyed in by future and existing residents.

Member debate:

PB:  on planning view, noted that this is a big site, currently an eyesore, though interesting to see cars and coaches on display.  This application in welcome, a nicely designed scheme in a sustainable location.  It is adjacent to the industrial unit – Marchants – which may operate anti-social hours of work, but conditions are included to manage this.  It is a creditable scheme, and is happy to support it.

SW:  is puzzled by Condition 16’s reference to glazing and ventilation for six of the 30 plots.  No-one will move into a house without windows so why is it worded that way? 

MP, in response:

-       The noise impact assessment set out concerns and noise mitigation measures.  The ventilation and glazing will be different on the plots adjacent to the industrial site.  The level of glazing is set out.

CH:  traffic speeds on Prestbury Road have been high, and the development at Starvehall Farm has put an extra bend in the road, slowing traffic down at that point.  Has been out with the local highways manager who understands residents’ concerns about this and is looking introducing traffic calming measures along this route.  A key area is just beyond the garage at the bend in the road.  In putting this development here, it is useful to understand that this means looking at some sort of crossing in this area.  Is surprised – it is clear that highways planning officers don’t talk with the the local highways manager, who was unaware of the conclusions on another recent planning application.  Highways officers ought to be able to get hold of insurance claim data for  accidents, rather than just accident injury data.  This would better inform their comments.

GB:  this point was mentioned the other day, and passed to officers as something to discuss later.  Would an informative about the crossing be appropriate in this case?

MP, in response:

-       Does not think it would be appropriate as an informative.  However, Newland Homes are present at the meeting and will have heard the discussion.

Vote on officer recommendation to permit

10 in support - unanimous

PERMIT