The Chief Planning Officer presented
a position statement on the development proposals for land at Daisy
Hill, Morley and seeking Members’ feedback on
the questions posed in the report and on any other aspect of the
proposals. The report also referenced comments received during the
public consultation. Plans, site plans, photographs and slides
showing views to and across the site were displayed at the meeting
which also showed the drop in levels from north to south across the
site.
Officers reported a
correction to the report stating that the footpath/cycle path would
be 3m wide. Additionally, comments from METRO and the Coal
Authority had now been received. Officers outlined the main aspects
of the scheme which included the proposed site access off Daisy
Hill, opposite existing bungalows. Slides were displayed showing
the proposed 2 storey house styles using red or buff brick
construction with artificial stone heads and sills. A revised
drainage scheme had been submitted which proposed drainage into the
open water course to the east along with a landscaping plan, with
dwellings on Daisy Hill set back to soften the appearance of the
development.
Members had
visited the site prior to the meeting and noted this was a Phase 2
housing allocation site on a Greenfield site. The Panel discussed
the following key issues of the scheme:
- Highway safety issues, site access and egress noting the traffic flow and congestion in
local streets; the sustainability of the site and useful local
transport links
- Design, materials and layout of the
development in relation to the setting and context of the
development site. There were concerns regarding the
design and materials proposed which were felt to be off the shelf
and did not relate to the individuality of the style of Morley.
Members were keen to ensure quality of design and materials in this
scheme. There were also concerns over the density of the scheme,
the layout of the site and the proximity of residential units to
the cliff edge and boundary of the railway line.
- The impact of the development on the
amenities of nearby residents. Members commented that S106 monies for school places was not sustainable, noting
the proposal for 92 houses and likely impact on local schools which
were known to be full. The Chief Planning Officer reported that the
developer had confirmed the full contribution would be made pending
the outcome of a response from LCC Children’s Services
regarding education provision
- The level of
amenity provision on site for prospective residents
- Inadequate level of
landscaping, particularly that shown to the Daisy Hill where the
gardens appeared open to the street. Members felt the whole
landscaping scheme required revisiting
- The rationale behind
the location of the public space, given the sheer drop from the
edge of the site to Morley railway station below and the safety
measures required at the site edge noting that the applicant will
need to discuss site security with Network rail
- Geology and stability
of the site
- The approach to drainage and
flooding issues. The Panel noted comments relating to local
knowledge on the over reliance on the existing Victorian era drainage system that residents currently felt was
inadequate and recent flooding on and
around the site, at Morley Bottom and Victoria Primary. Members
noted a request to see the flood risk management
strategy
- The approach to
environmental issues
- The contents of
the Section 106 agreement
- Concerns regarding
public health relating to the heavy industrial uses
nearby
RESOLVED – That the contents of the
position statement and the comments made by Panel be
noted.