Agenda item

The report of the Chief Planning Officer requests Members to consider application 15/05502/FU – Demolition of existing house and the erection of three storey block of three flats at No.33 Sandmoor Drive, Alwoodley, Leeds, LS17 7DF

(Report attached)

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report seeking permission to demolish the existing dwelling that occupies the site and to construct a three storey block of flats.

The application was brought to Panel at the request of Councillors Peter Harrand and Neil Buckley as they raised objections to the principle of apartments in this location, the impact on immediate character of Sandmoor Drive, the traffic levels and highway safety and wished the matters to be considered by Members.

A site visit had taken place earlier in the day, photos and plans were displayed at the meeting.

Members were informed that the proposal was for 3 unique apartments with 1 apartment per floor. The development would be within a generous area of land with a significant copse of trees to one side of the development. It was noted that 50% of the parking would be located underground. The ramp to the parking area to be well screened by screen and the ‘lid’ to be grassed so that it was better to look and would alleviate noise for the neighbours.

Members were informed that a previous plan had proposed more glazing to the rear of the property this had now been reduced to allow privacy for neighbours. There was considerable distance between the proposed property and neighbouring properties although there would be an increase in bulk and massing it was still in keeping with properties on that road.

The Panel heard from Ian Green and Simon Walton who lived in neighbouring properties who spoke against the recommendations for the following reasons:

·  The properties in the area are unique 1920s and 1930s family homes

·  Flats and apartments would spoil the character of the area

·  If the application was granted it could cause a floodgate of applications for flats in the area

·  The proposed development sits on a busy road and  junction with traffic heading towards Harrogate Road

 Members were informed that the developers had spent time with planning officers for the design of the property and the surrounding site. There was a 40mph traffic scheme on Alwoodley Lane but there was no control on parking in the area. The underground parking would have 8 spaces with 4 parking spaces above ground for visitors. The ramp to the underground parking space would be usable in winter as it would have a heated ramp and that the building would be highly energy efficient.

Councillor S McKenna left the room during this item.

 In response to questions from the Panel, Members were informed;

·  The trees within the grounds were of mixed varieties but were mainly deciduous.

·  The proposed dwelling would be approximately 1 metre higher that neighbouring properties.

·  Only limited weight could be given to the representations from the Parish Council.

·  The balconies would not have a significant impact on neighbouring properties due to the distance between properties or screening facilities

·  There were no flats on Sandmoor Road only knowledge of one other in area on Alwoodley Lane which had been won on appeal.

Members discussed the need for all types of housing in the city but raised concerns on the scale of the proposed development and the impact of flats in this area. Members also discussed the emerging Neighbourhood Plan.

At the conclusion of the discussion, Council J Procter moved a motion to reject the recommendations as detailed within the submitted report, so that the application be refused. The motion was seconded by Councillor Wadsworth. On being put to the vote, Councillor J Procter’s motion was passed, and it was

RESOLVED – That:-

a)  The officer recommendations as detailed within the submitted report be rejected, and as such, the application be refused due to the overall scale and massing of the proposal and that the proposal was not within the character of the area.

b)  Members approved to defer and delegate to officers that appropriate wording be provided within the letter setting out the reasons for refusing the application.