Agenda item

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an application for the laying out of an access road and erection of 45 houses with garages and landscaping.

The report of the Chief Planning Officer referred to an application for the laying out of an access road, erection of 45 houses with garages and landscaping at Holt Avenue, Adel.

The application had been brought to Plans Panel due to the history associated with the site, scale of the development and the high level of local interest in the proposal.  The principle of development was allowed on appeal when outline planning permission was granted for housing following a public inquiry.

Members attended a site visit prior to the meeting.  Site plans and photographs were shown at the meeting.

Further issues highlighted that related to the application included the following:

• An addition to the Section 106 proposal – this would offer £35,000 for traffic signal improvements at the junction with Otley Road.
• The site had previously been arable land.
• The development would contain 15% affordable housing.
• Each property would have 2 parking spaces.
• Landscaping would take place at the rear of the site which was lined with treets that were subject to Tree Preservation Orders.
• Plans showing access to the site were shown.

A representative of the Adel Association addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

• The land was Greenfield and it was felt should not be built on until all other areas had been used.
• The close proximity to the Grade I listed Church.
• Increased traffic.
• Primary schools in the area were full.
• Access to the north west area behind the site – any future applications would be opposed by the Adel Association.

In response to questions from Members, it was reported that the developers had consulted with the Adel Association regarding the materials to be used.  Whilst it was felt that the materials offered were preferential to brick, they were still felt to be bland.

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

• The development was based on the Inspector’s decision.
• There were no outstanding objections from statutory consultees – reference to revisions to satisfy consultees was made.
• Reference to Section 106 proposals.
• Conservation area issues, Tree Preservation Orders and maintaining of the boundary hedge.
• Supported use of materials by the Adel Association.
• Affordable housing provision was grouped together by the Otley Road side of the site.  This would give easier access to public transport.
• There were no plans in the near future to apply for developments beyond the north west boundary of the site.

Further discussion was held regarding the materials to be used and it was proposed to amend the condition outlined in the report regarding the use of materials.  Concern was also raised by Members regarding the decision of the Inspector and the impact on the decision of the Panel.

RESOLVED – That approval be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning Officer subject to the conditions specified and the completion of a Section 106 agreement within 3 months of the date of the resolution unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Chief Planning Officer, to include the obligations as outlined in the report and to include £35,000 contribution to traffic signal improvements.  Amendment to condition 4 in the report to allow further sample materials to be submitted for approval.