Agenda item

Full application to erect 5 two storey residential properties and alterations to an existing vehicular access and roadway, provision of parking spaces and landscaping.

 

LOCAL MEMBER:    Councillor Eric M. Jones

 

Link to relevant background documents

 

Since the Chair had declared an interest in this application and in the absence of the          Vice-chair from the meeting, it was proposed and seconded that Councillor Gwen      Griffith should take the chair, and the Chair withdrew from the Chamber during the      discussion. 

 

Full application to erect 5 two-storey houses, along with the adaptation of the existing access and vehicular road, provision of parking spaces and landscaping.

 

(a)  The Senior Development Control Officer elaborated on the background of the application and noted the main elements regarding the application.    It was explained that this was a full application to erect 5 two-storey houses, along with the adaptation of the existing access and estate road that had been submitted by Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd who provide housing in response to local demand for two bedroom houses.  

 

In terms of size, the houses would measure a total of 79m² per unit and laid out as two sets of semi-detached dwellings with one detached dwelling.  Formal gardens would be provided with parking spaces. Additionally, it was seen that part of the estate road and the existing access would be altered mainly by widening.  It was noted that separate parking spaces would be provided for the proposed houses on a section of the site for the existing residents of Y Garreg and their visitors. 

 

The application was submitted to committee as the number of houses proposed was greater than that which can be dealt with under the delegated procedure.  It was noted that this site was within the development boundary of the village of Groeslon and was on previously developed land.  Based on this alone it was considered that the proposal was acceptable in principle. It was recognised that concerns had been highlighted regarding this application and full consideration has been given to all the relevant planning matters submitted.

 

It was noted that this proposal was submitted on behalf of Cartefi Cymunedol Gwynedd to satisfy local need for housing.  Full consideration was given to all the relevant planning matters and the proposal was in compliance with the policy requirements and guidance.  It was recommended that the application should be approved with the conditions as noted.

 

(b)  The local member (who was a member of this Planning Committee), noted that he supported the application for the following reasons:

 

·         that houses already existed on the site and it was suitable for housing 

·         that there was a local demand for this type of housing

 

however, he expressed concern and asked if the sewerage system was suitable for an increase in use.

 

           

(c)  In response to the concern, the Development Control Manager noted that Welsh Water did not object the application and they suggested standard conditions and therefore it was accepted that there was sufficient capacity for any increase in use. 

 

(ch) In response to observations made by individual Members, the Development Control Manager and the Senior Solicitor noted as follows:

 

·         no section 106 agreement was imposed on Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd housing and as the houses were small they met with affordable needs housing

·         if the houses were placed on the open market sometime in the future, that statutory requirements addressed any concerns if the Housing Association got into difficulties.    It was resolved approximately 12 months ago that on balance the risk of releasing the houses without a 106 agreement to Housing Associations was very low.   

 

(a)   It was proposed and seconded to approve the application.

 

Resolved:       To approve in accordance with the following conditions:

 

1.    Time

2.   Compliance with plans;

3.   External wall materials to be agreed;

4.    Slate on the roofs of the dwellings and samples to be presented prior to the commencement of development;

5.    Landscaping details to be submitted for approval;

6.    Landscaping plan implementation period;

7.    Welsh Water conditions

8.    Highways conditions.

9.    Biodiversity

10.  Withdrawal of PD

11.  Working hours to be restricted 

12.  Land Drainage Unit conditions

13.  To submit and agree on boundary treatments