Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on an application for 4 five bedroom terrace houses and 1 five bedroom detached house

(report attached)

The report of the Chief Planning Officer related to a full planning application for a development to provide 4 five bedroom terrace houses with 2 detached garage blocks and a five bedroom detached house with a detached garage.  The application had been reported to Plans Panel at the request of a local Ward Member due to concerns arising due to over development of the site, the design, impact on the character of the Conservation Area, loss of trees and the concerns of local residents.

Members were shown photographs and plans of the site.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

• The proposed development was within an established residential area.
• The proposals were similar to adjacent properties.
• Objections had been received from Woodlands Hall – it was felt that the proposed development was a sufficient distance away.
• The original proposals had been negotiated down from 2 detached properties.
• Access to the site was felt to be satisfactory.
• Further letters of objection had been received on the grounds that the proposals were not in keeping with the character of the area and concern regarding traffic and pedestrians.
• It was suggested that the following conditions be added:
  • Notwithstanding the approved layout, revised plan to adoptable standards
  • Garage doors not to open onto adopted highway

An objector to the application addressed the meeting.  The following issues were highlighted:

• The access road to the site was the only way out for pedestrians and this was a significant danger.
• Privacy and amenity space for the terraced houses was sub-standard.
• The proposals would erode the conservation area, not enhance it.
• The proposals were contrary to planning policies, the Unitary Development Plan and the Roundhay Conservation Area Appraisal.
• Demolition of an existing wall by the developers.

The applicants agent addressed the meeting.  The following issues were highlighted:

• During meetings with planning  officers it had been felt that the proposals had met all necessary requirements and the proposals had been reduced from 6 six dwellings to five.
• Highways officers were satisfied that the safety was not compromised within the proposed development.
• A new wall would be constructed that reflected the nature of the area.  This would be built with reclaimed materials.
• It was hoped to commence work in the new year and complete within nine months.
• The development would provide much needed family accommodation in the area.

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• Discussions had been held with local neighbours to the site.
• The site was previously part of the walled garden of Woodlands Hall.
• Members were asked to consider the impact on the spatial amenity of the area.
• The proposals fit within design statements and surrounding properties.

RESOLVED – That the application be granted in accordance with the recommendation and conditions outlined in the report.  Also subject to the following conditions:

• Notwithstanding the approved layout, revised plan to adoptable standards.
• Garage doors not to open out onto adopted highway.

(Councillor R Grahame left the meeting at 4.00 p.m. during the discussion on this item)

(Councillor P Gruen re-joined the meeting at 4.10 p.m. during the discussion on this item).