Agenda and minutes

To consider any appeals in accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2 of the Access to Information Rules (in the event of an Appeal the press and public will be excluded)

(*In accordance with Procedure Rule 15.2, written notice of an appeal must be received by the Head of Governance Services at least 24 hours before the meeting)

There were no appeals.

There were no exempt items.

There were no late items.

To disclose or draw attention to any disclosable pecuniary interests for the purposes of Section 31 of the Localism Act 2011 and paragraphs 13-16 of the Members’ Code of Conduct. 

There were no declarations.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor J Shemilt.  Councillor R Stephenson was in attendance as substitute.

To confirm as a correct record, the minutes of the South and West Plans Panel held on 23 July 2020.

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2020 be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no matters arising.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding an outline application for a residential development, with means of

access at Land to the rear of Owlcotes Road, Pudsey

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an outline application for a residential development with access at land to the rear of Owlcotes Lane, Pudsey.

Site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the presentation of the application.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

·  The application was brought to the Panel at the request of a local Ward Councillor.

·  To the North of the site was a green area and the ring road.  Other borders were residential developments.

·  The site was close to the cycle network and canal towpath leading to Leeds and Bradford.

·  There were 6 bus stops within 400 yards of the site and 1.6 kilometres to New Pudsey train station.

·  The site was allocated for housing within the Site Allocation Plan.  Whilst it would have been preferable to develop the wider site, these proposals would not impede potential future development.

·  Access to the reservoir would remain.

·  The site fell within the regeneration priority area and would meet policy requirements for housing mix, affordable housing, design and energy provision.

·  The site was not within the greenbelt prior to the adoption of the Site Allocation Plan.

·  There would be a single point of entry to the site from Owlcotes Road.  There would be a requirement for a financial contribution to support junction improvements at Dawson’s Corner.

·  Drainage – there would be on site attenuation tanks and would discharge to existing sewers. Yorkshire Water had been consulted and accepted the proposals.  There would need to be a full drainage plan prior to commencement.

·  Existing trees to the boundaries of the site would be retained.  The site could accommodate more landscaping ad tree planting.

·  The allocation for housing was considered appropriate at the site and the application was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a satisfactory legal agreement.

A local Ward Councillor addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

·  The report was incorrect with regard to road traffic accidents on Owlcotes Road.

·  Ward Councillors had previously opposed the inclusion of this site for housing.

·  Climate change – the Council’s declaration was after this site had been allocated for housing and the Climate Change Emergency had not been considered in relation to this site.

·  There would be an impact on the amenity of neighbouring residents.

·  The development of this site would be a major loss of a greenfield site.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  Any development of the site was opposed.  Any numbers of new housing would be over intensive and damaging to the amenity of existing residents.

o  Local GP surgeries were full to capacity.

o  Local schools were full.

o  There had not been any consultation regarding the land contamination study.

o  The developer had consulted local residents regarding the proposals.

o  All the housing development from Owlcotes Road northwards drained into various becks which ultimately lead to Rodley.  The Council had lobbied for funding for a 1 in 200 year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

To receive and consider the attached report of the Chief Planing Officer regarding an application for Change of use from C3 (dwelling house) to C2 (residential institution) at 68 Billingbauk Drive, Leeds, LS13 4RX

The report of the Chief Planning Officer presented an application for the change of use from C3 dwelling house to C2 residential institution at 68 Billingbaulk Drive, Leeds.

Site plans and photographs were displayed and referred to throughout the discussion of the application.

Further issues highlighted in relation to the application included the following:

·  The proposal was for the change of use to a small children’s home.

·  The property fell within an established residential area close to local facilities and services.

·  The property was a two storey detached house with private drive access.  There had been extensions to the side.  There was substantial garden space and the property was surrounded by other residential properties.

·  It was proposed that there would be three staff, two of whom would be resident and two children at the property at any one time.

·  The only proposed amendment was internal to the garage to provide accommodation.

·  It would be aimed for children aged between 8 and 18 years old.

·  It was intended to condition the maximum number of children resident to three.

·  There had been an objection from Children’s Services due to the number of other children’s homes in the area.

·  There were other objections due to concerns regarding the safety of children at the site and potential for noise and disturbance.

·  It was considered that the application was policy compliant and it was recommended for approval.

A local resident addressed the Panel with objections to the application.  These included the following:

·  Local residents had not been made aware of the proposals.

·  There was a possibility of anti-social behaviour and noise disturbance.

·  The house is being designed for older children, not 8 year olds.

·  Other residents were concerned that disturbance may lead to loss of sleep and have a negative impact on the value of their houses.

·  There were better suited places for a children’s home.

·  If the application was approved it would be felt that the Council had failed local residents.

The applicant’s representative addressed the Panel.  The following was highlighted:

·  The home would be for the use of up to 3 children.

·  The applicant had provided specialist care for over 15 years.

·  This property would create the perfect environment for children.

·  This is not a new hoe but would replace one that was currently in operation in Wortley.

·  All necessary risk assessments and safeguarding protocols had been carried out and considered.

·  The property had substantial borders and planting to maintain privacy.

·  There was ample off street parking.

·  The lease on the existing home runs out in September and temporary accommodation would have to be sought which would provide a break in Children’s care and also put extra pressure on Council resources.

·  Some of the objections were from residents who did not live nearby.

·  Planning Officers felt that the application was policy compliant and the Panel was asked to support the recommendation for approval.

·  In response to questions, the following was discussed:

o  As part of the risk assessment, nearby children’s homes had to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 1.30 p.m.

Thursday, 17 September 2020 at 1.30 p.m.

(Subsequent to the meeting, the meeting scheduled for Thursday, 17 September was cancelled.  The next scheduled meeting to be held on Thursday, 29 October 2020 at 1.30 p.m.)