Agenda item

Full application for the construction of 4 self-contained living units, creation of estate road with associated services

 

LOCAL MEMBER: COUNCILLOR JASON W PARRY

 

Link to relevant background documents

Full application to erect four self-contained residential units and creation of access road together with associated resources.

Attention was drawn to the late observations form and the detailed observations that had been received from the applicant.

 

               The Members had visited the site.

 

The Planning Manager elaborated on the application's background, and explained that the application had been deferred at the Planning Committee held on 10/02/20 due to the decision made at the meeting to hold a site visit; to obtain more information about the method of screening the access from adjacent housing; to receive more information about the management of the site, and also to hold a meeting to discuss the application with the Local Member. It was explained that the proposal was to erect four residential units / pods designed and provided to meet the needs of vulnerable individuals. It was noted that the units would be in the Council's ownership and managed as short term accommodation via the Council or registered Housing Association.

 

It was noted that the development site was located on part of the former Canolfan Segontiwm site and within the development boundaries of the town of Caernarfon, which had been designated in the Local Development Plan as an Urban Service Centre. It was added that the site was near to the Roman fort of Segontium, a scheduled monument, and that discussions had been held with CADW and Gwynedd Archaeological Planning Service about the impact of the proposed development on the scheduled monument. It was an extensive site, and in response to local residents' concerns about the use of the remainder of the site, it was reported that CADW had signalled its intention to designate the remainder of the site as a scheduled monument, that would be likely to prevent further developments.

 

It was reported that a positive meeting had been held with the Local Member.

 

The Transportation Unit had no objection to the proposal, and in the context of visual, general and residential amenities, it was considered that the proposal was acceptable in terms of its design, size, scale and exterior materials. The proposal was unlikely to have an unacceptable substantial detrimental impact on any residents or local property.

 

Having considered all relevant planning matters, including local and national policies and guidance, as well as all the observations received, the proposal was considered acceptable and in compliance with the requirements of the relevant policies.

 

a)    A proposal to approve the application was put forward and seconded.

 

b)    In response to a request to provide an additional timber fence along part of the site's boundary with an adjacent house, it was noted that this was not considered to be necessary, and that it was not known whether the owner of the property wished to have a solid fence on their boundary. However, it was suggested that the applicant should hold further discussions with the owner to clarify their wishes about constructing a fence, and to report back to planning officers to confirm the owner's view and to create a suitable condition if necessary.

 

c)    During the ensuing discussion, the following main observations were made by members:

·         The plan was innovative and the development was promising in principle

·         The site was vast, and better use should be made of it

·         A need to ensure that the units were not misused - ambiguity regarding the category of people that would benefit from the units

·         The provision would respond to the demand

·         If the scheme were to be successful, this type of provision should be considered for other areas

·         A need to ensure that the timber fence would be a long-term measure.

 

 

It was RESOLVED to delegate powers to the Assistant Head to approve the application, once written confirmation had been received from the applicant regarding the fence.

 

1.         Time

2.         Compliance with the plans 

3.         Landscaping

4.         Biodiversity conditions

5.         Highway conditions

6.         Working hours

7.         Archaeology

8.         Provision of a bin store prior to occupation

9.         Fence to be installed prior to occupation

10.       Welsh Water

11.       Withdrawal of PD

 

 

Notes:

Welsh Water

SUDS

Highways