Issue - meetings

Residential redevelopment of playground site adjoining Stainby Road comprising 15 units: 6 x four bed houses and a block of 9 flats comprising 4 x one bed and 5 x three bed flats (forming part of previously approved scheme, reference HGY/2005/1257.

RECOMMENDATION: Grant permission subject to conditions and/or a Section 106 Legal Agreement.

Cllr Bevan entered the meeting at 8:20pm.

The Planning Officer presented the report and advised that this application site was previously approved as part of the original plans for Saltram Close.  The site was an enclosed semi derelict playground, originally designed for the use of Saltram Close Estate.  The site was bounded directly to the north by Monument Way and Saltram Close Estate formed the south boundary.  Stainby Road lay to the east of the site.

The site was currently derelict and unsafe for its original purpose, it was considered that the proposed change of use to residential was acceptable.  The density was approximately 414hrh, within the density range set out in the UDP and London Plan.  The units were designed to conform to ‘Lifetime Homes Standards’ and 10% had wheelchair access. 

The scheme would provide not less than 50% of the total units for affordable housing, however the units would be for renting because the Housing Enabling Team had identified a shortage of large units for renting purposes.  The proposed scheme was modern in design and would connect with the design approach of the adjacent development on the former Rose & Crown Public House, and nearby new developments.  It was considered that the height and scale conformed to existing buildings and should not have an adverse effect on the surrounding area.

The flats within the scheme would be ‘car-free’ with 9 covered and secured bicycle storage facilities and each of the six houses would have the provision of one car parking space per unit and secure bicycle stand.  Amenity space had been designed into the scheme in the form of rear garden space, balcony and terrace for all the houses.  The flat units had provision of ground floor patio, balconies and a secured roof garden.

CllrsAmin and Diakides entered the meeting at 8:30 and 8:31 respectively.

The Committee questioned  why the existing planning permission for the site was not implemented and were advised that the permission was still valid, however legal services had advised that a new application be resubmitted because it would have a fresh Section 106 agreement.  Concern was raised regarding the fact that the site was on a gyratory system and what measures had been considered to address issues such as noise.  The Officer replied that specific measures had been adopted near the rear boundary walls of the scheme and also specific windows would be installed to prevent noise intrusion.  The Committee could condition that an acoustic report be produced to address this issue.  Members further enquired about where the car parking spaces would be provided and whether the extra height of the proposed development would have an effect on the properties in Saltram Close.    The Committee was informed that parking spaces would be provided in the front garden for each of the houses.  The height of the development to the north would have the sun moving round the estate so therefore no loss of sun or daylight.   The Committee further raised concerns in relation to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 228