Agenda item
24/03277/FUL Land (E) 441191 (N) 205720 Blackditch
Minutes:
James Nelson, Principal Planner, presented the application for the demolition of majority of existing stable building. The erection of seven dwellings with associated works to include new access roads, carports, parking bays and soft and hard landscaping (amended plans).
The Principal Planner’s presentation addressed the following points:
- The sub-committee had attended a site visit before the meeting to view the concerns raised at the last meeting.
- The application was before the sub-committee due to objections from the Parish Council and 29 objections submitted on the Council’s website.
- The site consisted of a 19th century stable at the front of Blackditch and was alongside Granary Way, which had a recent development of 40 dwellings. The site consisted of hardstanding and grassed paddock.
- Listed buildings were in close proximity to the site but their setting would not be adversely impacted. The proposed dwellings would comprise of seven houses, five 3-bed houses and two 4--bed houses set at the back of the development.
Sam Cook, agent for the application addressed the Sub-Committee which raised the following points: in terms of the layout, design and scale the application met the requirements of the relevant policies in the Local Plan. Sewage capacity and drainage, with the limited scale of the scheme officers did not consider it would be reasonable to withhold consent on the basis around drainage and flood rates. The applicant asked for members to follow officer’s recommendations.
Councillor Steve Cosier, ward member addressed the Sub-committee which raised the following points: concern over parking spaces for visitors and multi occupancy homes with more cars than spaces available, the increased traffic to the village, the development would result in over development of the village and limited public transport links to and from the village.
The Principal Planner’s presentation addressed the following points:
- The Principal Planner brought the Sub-Committee’s attention to the Additional Representation report and confirmed that no comment had been received from Thames Water.
- The appearance and set out of the site were simplified and the dwellings were modest in design, with a mixture of slate and stonework.
- There would be a partial loss to the stable building and the loss of open space however there had been no objections from the Conservation Officer.
- Carports had been removed from the scheme, plot 6 had been moved away from the existing house behind and the gable shortened.
- Smaller sites were able to contribute to housing delivery.
- No objections had been received from Highways or Thames Water. The recommendation was for approval with delegated authority for ecological matters to be resolved.
The Chair then invited the Sub-Committee to discuss the application, which raised the following points:
- Members expressed concern over the lack of response from Thames Water.
- Concerns were raised regarding the parking provision for the housing and the use of HGV’s when under construction in a small village.
- Concerns expressed over the capacity of the sewage pumping station that currently served the area and the extra housing adding to the pressures.
Councillor Liam Walker proposed the Sub-Committee approve the application as per officers recommendations. This was seconded by Councillor Andrew Prosser and put to the vote.
Voting Record- For 9 Against 1 Abstention 1.
The Sub-Committee Resolved to:
- Approve the application as per officers recommendation.