Agenda item

To consider a report by the Chief Planning Officer which sets out details of an application which seeks full consent for the development of 152 dwellings on the former Horsforth Campus site, Calverley Lane, Horsforth.

(Report attached)

With reference to the meeting of 25^th February 2021 and the decision to defer determination of the application to facilitate the provision of further information regarding House Types (C, E2, & F) along with the design and massing of the apartment block and also information on the following:

·  Details on how compliance with Core Strategy Policies EN1 & EN2 would be achieved

·  Potential costs to and obligations on residents with regard to Green Space maintenance

·  The issue of pavement parking

·  Potential lighting of the cycle routes

The Chief Planning Officer submitted a report indicating that following discussions with officers, the developer had made changes to the design of the individual house types with properties now being more bespoke to the site as well as to their local environment, taking on board elements from properties within the Horsforth area. The applicant had also provided further information on specific elements of the proposal as requested by Members.

Members were informed that officers remained satisfied that the proposal was compliant with policy and guidance in relation to the specific elements in light of the further detail provided and continue to consider that the development  is acceptable as proposed.

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

The Planning Group Manager reminded Panel of the concerns raised previously and the proposed revisions to the scheme:

·  Site / location / context

·  The design of certain house types (C, E2, & F) was a concern

·  The design and massing of the apartment block gave the appearance of two buildings

Members raised the following questions to officers/ applicants representatives:

·  Members queried if all the homes were affordable

In responding to the issues raised, officers confirmed that all 152 houses were affordable dwellings

In offering comments Members raised the following issues:

·  Members were of the view that the development was much improved

·  Referring to the semi-detached properties, one Members suggested that by locating the two front doors next to each other, this could cause individual privacy issues. Another Member conversely suggested that locating the two front doors adjacent meant that main living spaces were separated and potential noise problems reduced.

·  One Member suggested that it was important to get a quality scheme at an early stage.

The Chair suggested that Members appeared to be supportive of the revised proposals.

It was moved and seconded that the application be approved subject to the conditions specified in the submitted report and following the completion of a Section 106 Agreement.

Upon being put to the vote, the motion was passed 11 votes in favour with 2

Abstentions.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the application be deferred and delegated to the Chief Planning officer for approval subject to referral of the application to the Secretary of State as a Departure from the Development Plan and subject to the Secretary of State not wishing to call in the application for his own determination and subject to the conditions specified in the submitted report (and any others which he might consider appropriate) and following the completion of a Section 106 Agreement within 3 months from the date of resolution, unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Chief Planning Officer, to include the following obligations:

·  100% Affordable Housing provision

·  Green Space Commuted Sum/management plan

·  Off-site highway improvement works contribution

·  Travel plan measures including Metrocards and real-time bus displays

(ii)  In the event of the Section 106 Agreement having not been completed within 3 months, the final determination of the application shall be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer