Agenda, decisions and minutes

To elect Chair for 2022/23

To elect Councillor Edgar Owen as Chair for 2022/23

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Edgar Owen as Chair for 2022/23

To elect Vice Chair for 2022/23

To elect Councillor Elwyn Edwards as Vice-chair for 2022/23

Two names were proposed and seconded for the post of vice-chair, namely Councillor Elwyn Edwards and Councillor Gruffydd Williams

RESOLVED to elect Councillor Elwyn Edwards as Vice-chair for 2022/23

To accept any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Gareth A Roberts; Councillor Elin Walker Jones (Local Member)

To receive any declaration of personal interest and to note protocol matters.

a)    Councillor Louise Hughes in item 7.5 (C21/1183/09/LL) on the agenda, as she knew the applicant

Councillor Huw Rowlands in item 7.6 (C22/0038/22/LL) on the agenda, as he knew the applicant

Councillor Gruffydd Williams in item 7.6 (C22/0038/22/LL) on the agenda, as he knew the applicant and the objector

Councillor Cai Larsen in item 7.9 (C21/1206/25/LL) on the agenda, as he was a member of the Adra Board

Members were of the view that it was a prejudicial interest, and they withdrew from the meeting during the discussion on the application

b)    The following members declared that they were local members in relation to the items noted:

·         Councillor Dafydd Meurig (not a member of this Planning Committee), in relation to item 7.2 (C22/0134/16/LL) and 7.9 (C21/1206/25/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Gareth Morris Jones (a member of this Planning Committee), in item 7.3 (C21/0734/46/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Elin Hywel (a member of this Planning Committee), in item 7.4 (C20/0870/45/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones (a member of this Planning Committee), in relation to item 7.5 (C21/1183/09/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Peter Thomas (not a member of this Planning Committee), in item 7.6 (C22/0038/22/LL) on the agenda

·         Councillor Huw Wyn Jones (a member of this Planning Committee), in item 7.7 (C21/1174/11/LL) on the agenda.

·         Councillor Kim Jones (not a member of this Planning Committee), in item 7.8 (C22/0239/15/LL) on the agenda

c)    The members stated that they had received correspondence regarding application 7.5 and 7.6.

To note any items that are a matter of urgency in the view of the Chairman for consideration.

None to note

The Chairman shall propose that the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on the 11^th of April 2022, be signed as a true record.

The Chair accepted the minutes of the previous meeting of this committee, held on 11 April 2022, as a true record.

To submit the report of the Head of Environment Department.

The Committee considered the following applications for development. Details of the applications were expanded upon and questions were answered in relation to the plans and policy aspects.

RESOLVED

Non-material amendment to the plans approved by planning permission C19/0224/11/LL to allow the use of pvc-u cladding on the rear elevation of the extension in lieu of the spardash render.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Elin Walker Jones

Link to relevant background documents

To approve the application subject to the following condition: -

·         The amendment hereby permitted shall be carried out in strict conformity with the details submitted to the Local Planning Authority, and contained in the form of application and in any other documents accompanying the application unless condition(s) to amend them is/are included on this planning decision notice. Notwithstanding the amendments hereby permitted, the remainder of the development must be completed in strict conformity with the details and conditions included in planning permission number C19/0224/11/LL.

Non-material amendment to the plans approved by planning permission C19/0224/11/LL to allow the rear elevation of the extension to be replaced with a pvc-u cover in lieu of a pebble-dashed render.

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was a non-material amendment to the plans approved by planning permission C19/0224/11/LL to allow the rear elevation of the extension to be replaced with a pvc-u cover in lieu of a pebble-dashed render. It was explained that the two-storey semi-detached house was located within an established residential area to the south-west of the city centre in ribbon form, opposite the class III county road, Belmont Road.

The application was submitted to the Committee as the applicant was a close relative of the Dewi Ward councillor in Bangor.

b)  A proposal was made and seconded to approve the application.

RESOLVED: To approve the application subject to the following condition: -

·           The amendment hereby permitted shall be carried out in strict conformity with the details shown on an amended plan, dated 03.05.22, submitted to the Local Planning Authority, and contained on the application form and in any other documents accompanying the application unless condition(s) to amend them have been included on this planning decision notice. Notwithstanding the amendments hereby permitted, the remainder of the development must be completed in strict conformity with the details and conditions included in planning permission number C19/0224/11/LL.

Development of Bio-compressed natural gas vehicle fuelling station comprising fuel pumps, plant compound, landscaping, creation of new accesses and associated development

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dafydd Meurig

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION:

To approve – conditions:

1.         Five years

2.         In accordance with the plans

3.         To complete the access in accordance with the plans

4.         No lorries to park overnight

5.         Landscaping plan

6.         Compliance with lighting scheme

7.         Welsh Water

8.        Complete in accordance with the requirements of the noise and light assessment

Notes

·         Highways

·         SUDS

Development of a natural compressed bio-gas fuel facility for vehicles including fuel pumps, equipment compound, creation of new accesses, landscaping and associated development.

Some members had visited the site on 10/06/22. 

a)            The Development Control Officer highlighted that the decision on the application had been deferred at the Planning Committee meeting on 11 April, 2022 in order to conduct a site visit.   

It was explained that the proposal related to the development of a Bio-CNG (compressed bio natural gas) vehicle fuel facility, including fuel pump islands, machinery compound, creation of a new access and associated development within Bryn Cegin Industrial Estate. It was noted that the facility would serve logistics and distribution operators and would operate for 24 hours a day, without staff, with drivers activating the pumps with an automatic fob. It was noted that the proposal entailed the development of an empty plot within the Parc Bryn Cegin Industrial Estate, which had been designated and protected in the LDP as a Regional Safeguarded Strategic Employment Site.

In the context of planning considerations, the main concerns of the Local Member and nearby residents was the possible impact of the proposal in terms of noise disturbance and light pollution.  It was highlighted that the site abutted the rear of three residential houses - 1 to 3 Rhos Isaf. It was acknowledged that the houses were on a higher level and it was intended to level the application site so that there was a retaining wall between it and the houses with an acoustic fence on top. It was highlighted that the noise assessment and the lighting plan had been submitted as part of the application and the results of the assessments indicated that it was not expected for the impacts of operational noise from the fuel filling station to have any substantial detrimental impact, subject to the context.

It was noted that the Public Protection Unit had accepted what the noise consultant had noted and the need to assess each site individually together with noise levels.   It was added that the site was identified as an industrial estate and the additional information had stated that the noise levels from the site would not have a negative impact on the residents' dwellings.  Although the score level of 4db exceeds the existing background noise level in the worst possible scenario, the levels would continue to conform with the levels outlined by the World Health Organisation should all the noise mitigation measures be implemented.    

As a result of the comments of the Public Protection Service, it was recommended that a condition should be included referring to conforming with the contents of the noise assessment and the light assessment.   Having assessed the proposal in full, it was considered that it was acceptable and complied with the requirements of the relevant policies and guidelines. 

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:

·                  CG Fuels was the leading developer in the operation of Bio-CNG (compressed bio natural gas).

·                  The company  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

A full planning application for change of use of agricultural land to form a caravan site for 32 pitches, construction of a new amenity building and all associated hardstanding, re-surfacing and access

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Gareth Morris Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application contrary to the recommendation subject to the requirements of the landscaping plan and basic conditions

*To refer the application to a cooling off period

Full application for change of use of agricultural land to create a caravan site for 32 pitches, construction of new building to accommodate showers/toilets, all associated hard standings, resurfacing and access.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form that highlighted additional landscaping details.

Some of the Members had visited the site on 10/06/22. It was noted that the applicant had parked a car and caravan in the field to try and highlight the impact.

a)    The Planning Manager highlighted that the decision on this application was deferred at the Planning Committee meeting held in April 2022 so that committee members could conduct a site visit. 

It was explained that the site was situated outside any development boundary in an open site in the countryside and the existing holding comprised a dwelling, farmyard and associated buildings with a class 3 public road running past the site separating the yard and the proposed caravan site access from the nearby dwelling. It was added that the site and the nearby area was within the designation of the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as the Llŷn and Bardsey Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest.

It was noted that since the subject of this application was a site for touring caravans, it had to be considered under policy TWR 5 of the LDP that sets a series of criteria to approve such developments.   It was added that criterion 1 in policy TWR 5 stated that any new touring caravan developments should be of a high quality in terms of design, layout and appearance, and well screened by existing landscape features and / or where the units could be readily assimilated into the landscape in a way which did not significantly harm the visual quality of the landscape.

Although accepting that a planting and landscaping plan had been submitted by the applicant, the officers continued to recommend that the application be refused as the site had not been well screened by existing landscape features and was not in a location where touring units can be readily assimilated into the landscape.  Therefore, it was considered that the development had a substantially significant and harmful impact on the visual amenities of the local area and it was not considered that the proposal would protect and improve the Llŷn Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was considered that the proposal was contrary to criterion 1 of policy TWR 5 and policies PS19 and AMG 1 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan 2011-2026, adopted 31 July 2017.

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant's relative noted the following points:

·         The family were local with firm roots in Pen Llŷn - they had been brought up, educated and worked locally.

·         The proposal was a plan for the whole family with the hope of being able to develop an intrinsic, successful and long-term business in Tudweiliog; it would have numerous benefits to the local economy for shops, public houses,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Erection of five dwellings with associated access, parking and landscaping.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Elin Hywel

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To approve the application subject to conditions and the completion of a section 106 agreement to secure provision of one affordable house:

1.         Time

2.         Compliance with plans

3.         Agree on details of external materials including slate

4.         Landscaping / Trees

5.         Drainage matters / SUDS

6.         Biodiversity Matters

7.         Archaeological Matters

8.         Affordable matters

9.         Highways Matters

10.       Protection measures and improve the hedge

11.       Boundary treatment

Erection of five dwellings together with access, parking and landscaping

a)    The Planning Manager highlighted that the application was originally submitted to the Planning Committee on 21/06/21 when it was resolved to approve the application, subject to determining an appropriate discount to restrict the value of both affordable dwellings and complete a 106 Agreement to ensure that the two houses are affordable for local need. It was added that lengthy discussions had been held between the officers and the applicant since the committee's decision and as a result to the submission of detailed financial evidence, it had become evident that it would not be viable to include two affordable houses as part of the development.

In accordance with the committee's decision to approve subject to a discussion and agree on an appropriate discount for the affordable units, an open market valuation was received for the affordable housing.  Based on the information together with advice from the Strategic Housing Unit, it was determined that a discount of 40% was required to ensure that the houses were in reach of people who need intermediate affordable housing.  Following this, an objection was received to the discount from the applicant as such a high discount would impact the viability of the entire plan. 

It was explained that the relevant requirements of the policy and the SPG also note that if the required percentage of affordable units are not provided within the site, then a pro-rata payment would have to be considered rather than no affordable provision.  In this case, and having assessed the costs of the development/building as submitted within the latest red book valuation, it was clear based on including one affordable unit with a discount of 40%, that it would not be viable to provide another affordable unit or to ask for a pro-rata payment in place of the second affordable unit. Therefore, as noted in the policies and the relevant advice, the affordable element in this case reflected the number of affordable units in the context of the conclusions of this assessment.   Consequently, a decision was made to accept one affordable house on plot 4 with a discount of 40% to be added via a legal agreement in order to continue to be affordable for local need.  

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

·         That not much changes had been made to the original plan and she was willing to support the application

·         Despite residents' concerns regarding sewerage, an acceptable response was received  

·         There was a housing crisis in Pwllheli and there was a need for affordable housing

·         There was a need for the right houses in the right place

·         There was a need to consider the developer's viewpoint - this was a local building company - a local Welshman employing local people and  she supported this  

·         The plan was not viable - the system was failing - the process needed to be reviewed

·         Concern that no language statement had been included as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

Construction of one dwelling

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Anne Lloyd-Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To refuse:-

·         The site lies in open countryside and the proposal is not an application for a rural enterprise dwelling and therefore it is considered that the proposal is contrary to Strategic Policy PS 17 and Policy PCYFF 1 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan, together with Planning Policy Wales and Technical Advice Note 6: planning for sustainable rural communities.

·         The applicants have not been assessed as applicants in need of an affordable home, the size of the property is substantially larger than an affordable home as defined in the Supplementary Planning Guidance: Affordable Housing; and as there is no open market valuation of the property, it cannot be certain that the property would have an affordable price or continue to be affordable in future.  Therefore, it is not considered that the proposal in question would provide an affordable home on the site and that the proposal is therefore contrary to the requirements of policy TAI 16 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan that only allows proposals for schemes that are 100% affordable homes. It is also contrary to the contents of the Supplementary Planning Guidance: Affordable Housing

Construction of one dwelling

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)            The Planning Manager highlighted that this was a full application to construct a dwelling (3 bedrooms) primarily of a two-storey design to include a garden store underneath a section of the proposed house (that would make that section three-storeys) on land near Môr Awelon, Ffordd Brynhyfryd, Tywyn.   

As part of the application, the following were submitted - a Welsh Language Statement, Design and Access Assessment, Planning Statement, Initial Ecological Assessment and a letter of further justification for a house on the site in the countryside but exactly adjacent to the Tywyn development boundary.  It was added that the site was within the Dysynni Valley Landscape of Outstanding Historic Interest with mainly gorse hedges and a few trees on the boundary with the A493 class 1 road and Tywyn Hospital which is a Grade II listed building on the other side. 

The application was submitted to the Committee at the request of the former Local Member, Councillor Mike Stevens

It was explained that the proposals maps for Tywyn highlight that the site lies outside the development boundary of the local service centre and therefore it was considered that this was tantamount to erecting a new house in the countryside.   It was noted that Strategic Policy PS 17 - Settlement Strategy concerning the distribution of housing, in terms of a site in open countryside notes that only housing development that complies with Planning Policy Wales and TAN 6 will be permitted in the Open Countryside.   In accordance with TAN 6, one of the few circumstances in which a new residential development in the open countryside can be justified is when accommodation is required to enable a rural enterprise worker to live at, or close to, his workplace.  It was considered that the existing application was not an application for a rural enterprise dwelling and therefore the proposal was contrary to Strategic Policy PS 17 and Policy PCYFF 1, together with Planning Policy Wales and TAN 6.

In the context of justifying the need for an affordable house on the site, it was highlighted that the applicants had not been assessed as applicants in need of an affordable home, and the size of the property was substantially larger than the size of an affordable home. In addition, and as there was no open market valuation of the property, it could not be certain that the property would have an affordable price or continue to be affordable in future.  It was considered that the proposal in question would not provide an affordable house on the site and the proposal was therefore contrary to the requirements of policy TAI 16 that can only support as exceptions proposals for housing schemes that are 100% affordable on sites that are directly adjacent to a development boundary and which form a reasonable extension to the settlement and to the contents of the Affordable Housing SPG.

Following the receipt of the location plan and the amended  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Extend track under application reference nymber C21/1155/22/YA for a distance of 15 metres to the north of the existing entrance together with the construction of a bridge to cross a watercourse - Lôn Tyddyn Agnes, Llanllyfni.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Peter Thomas

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION:

To defer and conduct a site visit.

Extend track under application reference C21/1155/22/YA for a distance of 15 metres to the north of the existing entrance along with the construction of a bridge to cross the watercourse - Lôn Tyddyn Agnes, Llanllyfni

a)            The Head of Legal Services suggested that the decision should be deferred in order to consult further with nearby residents and to conduct a site visit. 

The Head of Legal Services added that it would be appropriate to conduct a site visit.

b)            It was proposed and seconded to defer and conduct a site visit.

RESOLVED: To defer and conduct a site visit.

Construction of flood defence in the Hirael area of Bangor to include:-

1.    Improvements to the cycle path.

2.    Construction of a new concrete wall to displace the existing gabions following the footprint of the existing sea wall.

3.    Re-construct slipway.

4.    Construction of earth bund.

5.    Install 2 flood gates.

6.    Raise height of part of Glandwr Road together with erecting a new concrete wall. 

LOCAL MEMBERS: Councillor Medwyn Hughes and Councillor Huw Wyn Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION:

To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Five years.

2.    In accordance with the plans/details submitted with the application.

3.    Submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan to include measures to reduce noise, dust and vibration to be agreed with the LPA.

4.    Submission of a Biosecurity Risk Assessment.

5.    Compliance with the recommendations of the amended Habitats Regulations Assessment.

6.    Submission of a Method Statement Plan/Risk Assessment in order to safeguard Welsh Water assets that cross the site.

7.    Submission of the details of the Archaeological Programme to be followed with a report of the archaeological work carried out on the site.

8.    Restriction of the working hours which includes operating machinery and importing materials between 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and not at all on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays unless the extension of these working hours has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

9.    Safeguard public footpath no. 28 and 29 Bangor during and after the completion of the development.

Construction of flood defences in the Hirael area of Bangor, to include:-

1.         Improvements to the cycle path.

2.         Construction of a new concrete wall to replace the existing gabions and follow the footprint of the existing sea wall.

3.         Rebuilding of slipway.

4.         Erecting a soil embankment.

5.         Installation of two floodgates.

6.         Raise the height of a part of Lôn Glandŵr as well as erecting a new concrete  wall.

a)            The Development Control Officer highlighted that there were several elements to this full application to construct a 550m long flood defence in the Hirael area on the northern coastal outskirts of Bangor and the application was submitted as Hirael, historically, had been at risk of flooding from several sources.  It was noted that the existing coastal defences in Hirael are restricted and the only formal defence in the area were the existing sea wall of deteriorated gabions.  There are no other structures that manage coastal flooding within the area. Under the Shoreline Management Plan 2, Hirael sees a policy change of "holding the line” in Epoch 1 and 2 to "managed realignment" by Epoch 3. 

It was considered that the principle of approving the proposal was acceptable based on its effect on the visual, residential and biodiversity amenities locally and nationally together with transportation matters and the construction of a flood defence in the Hirael area of the city responds positively to the structural weaknesses identified in the existing defences.  

b)            Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following points:

·         He welcomed the plan

·         Concern from some residents regarding the loss of a view, however, it was a significant improvement in terms of safety to others

c)            It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

RESOLVED: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.            Five years.

2.            In accordance with the plans/details submitted with the application.

3.            Submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan to include measures to reduce noise, dust and vibration to be agreed with the LPA.

4.            Submission of a Biosecurity Risk Assessment.

5.            Compliance with the recommendations of the amended Habitats Regulations Assessment.

6.            Submission of a Method Statement Plan/Risk Assessment in order to safeguard the Welsh Water assets that cross the site.

7.            Submission of the details of the Archaeological Programme to be followed with a report of the archaeological work carried out on the site.

8.            Restriction of the working hours which includes running machines and importing materials between 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday and not at all on Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays unless the extension of these working hours has been approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority.

9.            Safeguard public footpath no. 28 and 29 Bangor during and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Substantial demolition of the existing Electric Mountain Visitor Centre (bar the existing electrcity sub-station), change of use of the site to form a car park, replacement lighting, provision of electric vehicle charging points and associated landscaping.

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Kim Jones

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To defer until September 2022 to enable a further opportunity to discuss alternative uses for the building

Substantial demolition of the existing Electric Mountain Visitor Centre (bar the existing electricity sub-station), change of use of the site to form a car park, replacement lighting, provision of electric vehicle charging points and associated landscaping.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form noting that the Community Council confirmed that there had been lengthy consultation prior to the application's submission and the Community Council had no objection to the demolition of the building as the company do not offer another option, however, there was some discontent amongst members that a car park would then be created together with a small site for events    

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was a full application to demolish the structure of the Electric Mountain Visitor Centre (separate to the electricity sub-station) to provide a new car park, install lighting, charging points for vehicles and associated landscaping on a site that is located between the village and Llyn Padarn. The application was split into several different elements, which included:-

·         Demolish 2,932m2 of the floor surface area of the existing building, apart from 22m2 of the surface area of the electricity sub-station.

·         Provide a car park for the public that would add 110 additional parking spaces to the existing adjacent car park, including 5 disabled spaces.

·         Provision of 12 rapid AC Charging points for vehicles together with one rapid DC charging point for vehicles. 

·         Access to the extended car park by using the existing access from the adjacent class I county road (A4086).

·         Install nine 6m high columns to light the car park, of a design that would reduce any light pollution on the land surrounding the application site.

·         Soft landscaping scheme to include planting trees, shrubs and meadow wildflowers.

It was suggested that the main consideration of this application, was whether the proposal would lead to the loss of a community resource.  It was noted that Policy ISA 2 of the LDP states that the Council would resist the loss or change of use of an existing community facility by complying with a least one of the policy's criteria, in the case of a commercially operated facility (as in this case). There is evidence:

·         That the current use has ceased to be financially viable - the applicant had stated that the visitor centre is under-used and is too large for the the facilities accommodated inside and the condition of the construction already creates an eyesore within the local area.

·         It could not reasonably be expected to become financially viable - based on the information submitted by the applicant regarding the viability of the visitor centre, it cannot be reasonably expected that the use(s) made previously of the building would become financially viable in the near future or the long-term and it would not make economic sense to continue to use the building as a community resource and visitor centre.

·         That no other suitable community use could be established - given the  fact that the structure, in its curent condition,is unsustainable, as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Residential development comprising of 6 two storey and one single storey affordable dwellings, associated works and creation of additional car parking (amended plans). 

LOCAL MEMBER: Councillor Dafydd Meurig

Link to relevant background documents

DECISION: To delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Five years.

2.    In accordance with the plans.

3.    Details of the solar panels.

4.    Landscaping plan.

5.    Natural slate.

6.    Development to be undertaken in accordance with the biodiversity mitigation measures.

7.    Working hours limited to 8:00-18:00 during the week; 08:00 - 12:00 on Saturdays and not at all on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

8.    Restrict noise levels.

9.    Submit a Construction Method Statement.

10.  Welsh Water condition to submit a Method Statement and Risk Assessment regarding the main sewer that crosses the site.

11.  Ensure a plan/arrangements for providing the affordable housing.

12.  Remove permitted development rights from the affordable dwellings.

13.  Ensure a Welsh name for the houses and the estate.

NOTE: Inform the applicant of the need to submit a sustainable drainage strategy plan for approval by the Council's Water and Environment Unit.

NOTE: Inform the applicant of the need to sign an agreement under Section 38 of the Highways Act.

Residential development including 6 two-storey houses and one single-storey affordable house, associated works and creation of additional parking spaces (amended plans)

Attention was drawn to the late observations form.

a)    The Development Control Officer highlighted that this was a full application to erect six two-storey  houses and one single-storey affordable house along with associated works on the western periphery of Stad Bro Infryn in Glasinfryn on a plot of green land. The application was split into several different elements, which included:

·         Provision of affordable units on the form of: One two-storey 2 bedroom house (3 persons), four two-storey 2 bedroom houses (4 persons), two two-storey 3 bedroom houses (5 persons) and a single-storey 2 bedroom house (3 persons).

·         The 2 bedroom houses would be for intermediate rent and the remainder of the houses for social rent.

·         Provision of infrastructure to include parking spaces, footpaths, turning space, redirecting BT cable and redirecting the public sewer.

·         Erection of various fences around the site boundary and between the houses.

·         Site bin stores in the gardens of the houses.

·         Landscaping work.

It was explained that discussions had been held between the applicant, the previous local councillor, Cllr. Menna Baines, as well as several estate residents.  As a result, the application was amended to provide additional parking spaces in the form of laybys on the northern and southern sides of the lawned area which is located at the centre of the estate.

It was considered that the principle of the proposal was acceptable based on the indicative housing supply, housing mix and the need to meet and address the need for these types of houses in the local area.   It was noted that planning considerations such as visual residential amenities, road safety, biodiversity and language matters were acceptable. The proposal was not considered to be contrary to local or national policies and there was no material planning matter that outweighed the policy considerations.  To this end, it was considered that this proposal was acceptable subject to the inclusion of the conditions.

b)    Taking advantage of the right to speak, the applicant noted the following observations:

·         The application was submitted by Adra (Local Housing Association) to construct six two-storey houses and one bungalow - all the units were affordable houses and included a mix of intermediate rented housing and social rented housing.

·         Pre-application discussions had been held with the planning department to discuss the principle of the proposal and to receive feedback on material planning matters. 

·         Following the submission of the application and during the application's determination period, there were additional discussions with the local councillor and some of the local residents to discuss some of their concerns having seen the application details. 

·         One of the concerns raised was parking and the pressure in the area for parking spaces.  As a result of these discussions, amendments were introduced to the plans to provide additional parking spaces on the boundary of the nearby green space, as agreed with the Local Member and the residents.  

·         The residents wanted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.