Agenda item

Demolish existing building and erect 9 affordable units for a local housing association, parking accomodation and landscaping.

LOCAL MEMBER:    Councillor Keith Jones

Link to relevant background documents

Demolition of existing building and erect nine affordable units for the local housing association, parking spaces and landscaping.

(a)     The Senior Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application, noting that the principle of erecting housing on the site was based on Policies PCYFF1, TAI1 and P55 of the JLDP.  He noted that as it would be a registered social landlord who would be responsible for all the units, they would all be available as affordable housing. It was highlighted that the site was within the development boundary, it was a previously developed site and was suitable for residential use. It was noted that the application was acceptable in principle.

         Attention was drawn to the additional observations that had been received.

         It was noted that the units had been designed in a three block form of varying heights with a variety of materials used on the building's external elevation. Considering the design, scale, form and materials of the development it was believed that it would be in keeping with the site and would not create an incongruous or oppressive structure within this part of the streetscape  

         It was reported that correspondence had been received from some local residents regarding the detrimental effect of the proposal on residential and general amenities in terms of loss of privacy, overlooking and noise nuisance, over development and the creation of an oppressive structure. The original plans had been amended in response to the objections, in order that the rear wall windows on the northern section of the new building were set at an angle to reduce any direct overlooking into nearby dwellings. It was added, in order to avoid any direct over-looking it could be ensured that stair windows, facing dwellings at the rear of the site, would be of opaque glass permanently.

         Reference was made to observations received from local residents stating concerns regarding the suitability of the access, although recognising the concerns the Transportation Unit had no objection to the proposal subject to including appropriate conditions with any planning permission.

The development was acceptable in terms of relevant local and national policies for the reasons noted in the report.

(b)     The local member (not a member of this Planning Committee) supported the application, noting that there was a need for housing in the area and that the proposal was in keeping with the area with a similar development by Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd nearby.

RESOLVED to delegate powers to the Senior Planning Manager to approve the application, subject to the receipt of favourable observations from the Public Protection Unit and to the following conditions:-

1.     Five years.

2.     In accordance with the plans.

3.     Natural slates/materials.

4.     Highways.

5.     Biodiversity.

6.     Welsh Water.

7.     Withdrawal of permitted development rights (windows).

8.     Pollution / contamination

9.     Opaque glass for the windows in the stair area facing dwellings at the rear of the site