Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer on pre-application proposals for a residential development

This is a pre-application presentation and no formal decision on the development will be taken, however it is an opportunity for Panel Members to ask questions, raise issues, seek clarification and comment on the proposals at this stage. A ward member or a nominated community representative has a maximum of 15 minutes to present their comments. 

(report attached)

  Plans, graphics, drawings and precedent images were displayed at the meeting.  A Members site visit had taken place earlier in the day

  Members considered a report of the Chief Planning Officer outlining pre-application proposals for a residential development by an applicant who had undertaken a similar development in Leeds

  The Panel received a presentation from the developer who outlined the scheme, with the following details being provided:

·  that the proposals were for a radical approach to family housing on a brownfield site

·  that a unique ‘European’ contemporary design will be used

·  that the scheme would be community focussed, with an emphasis being placed on the quality of design

·  the sustainability credentials of the scheme

·  the layout of the proposals, with town houses being located along the river; these being south facing

·  larger flat/apartment buildings being sited along the road to provide a buffer to the noise of the environment

·  the POS provision which would include publicly accessible areas; semi-private spaces for residents and private rooftop terraces

·  the provision of either an elevated roof garden or view of the river beyond for each house

·  the wider connections from the site

·  car parking provision, with 240 spaces being provided under raised decks

·  the delivery of 311 homes in a mix of house types and creating a mixed community

·  the provision of a pedestrian bridge to link the South Bank area and 3 % affordable housing

Members discussed the proposals, with the following matters being

raised:

·  the energy efficient aspects of the proposal

·  the inclusion of back to backs within the scheme

·  the proposed materials and the need for further information on this

·  the need to ensure the proposals did not add to existing road congestion and the need to consider the use of river taxis

·  the importance of the delivery of the bridge link

In relation to the specific issues raised in the report, the following

responses were provided:

·  that Members agreed that the proposed use of the site for a residential scheme and the mix of dwellings proposed would be appropriate

·  that on the quality of the homes proposed, these were considered to be very good in respect of space standards, energy efficiency and sustainable construction, however, further consideration was required of the proposed finishing materials

·  that the balance of private amenity space, communal residents’ amenity space and public realm provision was appropriate for the mix of dwellings proposed however in respect of affordable housing provision, the 3% proposed was considered to be an initial offer and needed to be justified against the Council’s normal affordable housing policy

·  on privacy and overlooking, there was a need to explore the balance between the gaps created through the design of the scheme

·  that given the wide road infrastructure between the site and the scale of the nearby 14 storey Echo flats, that the scale of the proposed development was considered to be appropriate at this gateway location

·  to note Members’ views on the necessity of the bridge to connect the development to surrounding communities and facilities

·  that subject to the agreement of Transport Development Services (to ensure there would be no adverse impact on highways safety or amenities) that the proposed level of car parking was considered to be acceptable

·  the need for a affordable housing provision at an acceptable level

RESOLVED -  To note the report, the presentation and the comments

now made