Agenda item

To consider a report of the Chief Planning Officer regarding a position statement for the demolition of outbuildings, laying out of access roads and erect 92 houses with landscaping on land at Daisy Hill, Morley, Leeds.

(report attached)

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.