Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Palethorpe and Lynch.

The minutes of the meeting held on 30^th October 2012 were agreed and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED:

1.    That Mr Bainbridge and Councillor Larratt be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of application N/2012/0757

2.    That Mr Palmer be granted leave to address the Committee in respect of application N/2012/0993

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The Head of Planning submitted a List of Current Appeals and Inquiries and made particular reference to the appeal in respect of application N/2012/0232 which had been allowed.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Old Duston

The Head of Planning submitted a report and explained that there had been a proposed variation to the Section106 Legal Agreement dated 19 April 2007. It was noted that the development had been approved in outline form by WNDC on the 19^th April 2007 following completion of a section 106 agreement. It was explained that the original intention was the development of four bespoke properties with green roofs; it had become apparent to the developers that the green roofs would be impractical and burdensome for homeowners to maintain. Due to the anticipated difficulties resulting from the obligation it was proposed that the developers make a £70,000 contribution for environmental provision in the West of the Borough in lieu of the requirement to provide the green roofs.

The Committee discussed the proposed variation.

RESOLVED:  That the variation of the S106 Agreement be agreed.

None.

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Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Nene Valley

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of application N/2012/0757 and referred to the addendum that set out a representation made by Councillor Larratt. The planning history of the application was referred to as set out in the report and commented that an application made in 2010 had been granted for permission to develop the site for 71 dwellings and associated infrastructure. However, the proposed scheme differed from the previously approved development as there had been a reduction in the number of dwellings to 58 with car parking spaces for 137 vehicles and would include improvements to the existing footpath.

Mr Bainbridge, the Agent for Redrow, addressed the Committee. He commented that his clients were pleased with the officer’s report and recommendations and it was explained that the company had continually engaged with Hardingstone Parish Council. It was noted that the proposed housing differed from the original proposal of 2010 and explained that all technical considerations had been resolved. It was noted that the proposed development would be a mixture of dwellings to include social, rental and affordable housing to address housing needs. As part of the Section 106 Agreement, Mr Bainbridge explained that his clients were agreeable to payment of a £99,000 contribution to fund the provision of off-site open space facilities to be ring fenced for use only in the Parish of Hardingstone.

In response to questions of the Committee, Mr Bainbridge explained that the 35% provision of affordable housing was local policy required by the Borough Council. He explained that the reason the affordable units are proposed to be developed in a single cluster was to ensure that the delivery, build and management of the dwellings would be considerably easier for the managing agents than if it were more spread out.

Councillor Larratt addressed the Committee and commented that the hoped that the Committee would agree to the proposed ring-fencing of funding to Hardingstone Parish. He voiced concerns about the clustering of the properties and requested that the provision be distributed throughout the site. It was noted that there had been some communication from strategic housing officers who had expressed  concern with regards to the clustering of developments. Councillor Larratt further explained that he had been in communication with the Residents Association in Hardingstone.

Councillors Davies and Meredith voiced their displeasure at an attempt by a Councillor who was not a member of the Planning Committee, attempting to circulate a note during the meeting and commented that such behaviour could potentially bring the Committee into disrepute.

The Head of Planning commented that officers’ preference is for the affordable units not to be in a single group but broken into smaller groups.  To this end they had, along with other matters, negotiated with the applicant, however on this particular point the applicant had been unwilling to revise the scheme.  Given the number of units concerned is only 20 and this would be a mix of 5 affordable rented, 9 social rented and 6  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10a

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Billing

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of application N/2012/0888 (Listed Building Consent) and N/2012/0926 (Planning Permission). It was reported that Lagan Homes had concluded that the extant  permission to convert the Powerhouse building to 6 large residential units was unviable. Therefore, the new proposal was to convert the redundant building into 17 residential units.

RESOLVED:

1.    That  application (N/2012/0926) be approved in principle subject to:

(a)  the prior completion of a Section106 Agreement to secure the provision of 35% of the dwellings for affordable housing and

(b)  the conditions as set out in the report

2.    That the listed building application (N/2012/0888) be approved subject to the conditions as set out in the report.

Report of Head of Planning

(copy herewith)

Ward: Spring Park

The Head of Planning submitted a report in respect of application N/2012/0993. He commented that planning permission was being sought for the erection of a single span polythene covered canopy to cover an existing outside sale area.

Mr Palmer, a partner at the nursery, addressed the committee and explained that he was seeking consent for the erection of the canopy in response to the weather conditions experienced over the past 2 years which included torrential rain. It was explained that the canopy would provide shelter from the elements and would allow for a better plant to be grown.

RESOLVED:

That the application be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

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