Agenda item

The report of the Chief Planning Officer requests Members to consider application 16/02196/FU for a detached bungalow with integral garage; detached garage; landscaping and associated works to garden land currently associated to No.82a Allerton Grange Rise, Leeds LS17 6LH

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report asking Members to consider an application which sought permission to construct a detached bungalow to garden land currently associated to No. 82A Allerton Grange Rise.

The application was brought to Panel at the request of Councillor Sharon Hamilton as it was her view that the comments raised by Highways were not sufficient reason to withhold planning permission. The Councillor stated that there was no difficulty at this present time as this was a private driveway and that two cars currently enter and exit without any problems.

Members heard that Officers had concerns that the driveway had a ‘pinch point’ where 2 vehicles would not be able to access the drive, the corner of the drive does not allow a clear view forward. Members were also informed of a gate with pedestrian access leading on to a blind junction.

 Mr Bonner the applicant’s son attended the meeting he explained that his mother had been paralysed in a car accident with her mobility becoming less over the years. The bungalow in which she currently lives is not suitable for the adaptations that she requires. She had lived at the property a number of years and wishes to stay in the area as she attends the local church and also helps with after school provision of her grandchildren.

David Cook the agent was also at the meeting and he informed the Panel that the drive was compliant with policy and had ample provision for vehicles to pass. He said that at its narrowest point it was 3.8 metres wide but was mostly 4 metres wide.

Members were informed that agreement had been made with the owners of 82 Allerton Grange Rise for work and access to the driveway.

Members heard that the larger property was required to allow an integral garage so that Mrs Bonner would not have to travel from the car to the house in an outside wheelchair to then transfer to an indoor wheelchair. Members also noted that the current property did not allow Mrs Bonner access to all areas and that the ramps were sub-standard and not within current guidelines.

In response to Members questions the Panel were informed of the following;

·  that it was not the proposal to knock down the current house

·  that the refuse bins were taken down the driveway for 82A and 84 Allerton Grange Rise

·  That the gate onto the drive was not used it was put there only for security and that it was an elderly lady who lived at that property

Mr Crossley and Mr Smickersgill attended the meeting to speak for the recommendations. Mr Bonner informed the Panel that he was aware of the Bonner’s as they were a family who attended his church and was aware that Mrs Bonner required a wheelchair.

He informed the Members of his concerns in relation to the speed of the road in the area and that this junction was of permanent concern for both pedestrians and road users. He highlighted the fact that the junction was blind from the left of the driveway. Mr Crossley spoke of his experiences of near incidents at the junction.

Cllr. Cleasby informed the Panel that he recognised Mr Crossley as someone who he had worked with in the past.

Members were informed that there was no signage on the junction and no speed control as there was no record of accidents at the junction in the last 5 years.

Members discussed the following points:

·  The removal of the lamppost at access to driveway

·  Removal of the hedge along the driveway

·  Use of signage on the junction

·  Speed limit on the approach to the footway

RESOLVED – That the Panel resolved not to accept the officer recommendation to refuse permission and resolved to defer and delegate to the Chief Planning Officer for approval on the detailed conditions including a condition for the provision of a speed bump on the driveway.