Agenda item

This was a full planning application for the erection of 1No. Dwelling in the form of a dormer bungalow. The site was situated between the property Sunny Bungalow and the site of the former Rose & Crown Public House.

The bungalow had been designed to be in keeping with the other properties within the vicinity.

Democratic Services Officer dialled in Cllr Andy Bennett, Parish Council representative and Mr Steven Locke, Applicant for the proposed development as registered public speakers to join the audio conference.

The Planning Officer presented the report to the Planning Committee Members.

Cllr Andy Bennett, Parish Council representative spoke against this application. He shared that it was very rare to get public to a Parish Town Council Meetings but due to this application they had received double figures, thus showing the level of concern for over development. Cllr Bennett encouraged the Committee to look at public concerns. He noted that Sunnyside Road had narrow access and therefore conditions need to be applied to make the application viable.

Cllr Andy Bennett then muted his microphone and continued to listen to the end of the application via telephone.

Mr Steven Locke, Planning Agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, spoke in favour of the application. He shared that the current application was for a bungalow and was in keeping with other properties. The site had plenty of parking and had received no objections from highways. The bungalow would address a local need. The land was previously used for dumping and tipping and therefore failed to contribute to the Green Network. A landscaping scheme would ensure new trees and shrubs were planted. Mr Locke believed that is was a sustainable development and would contribute to local housing.

Mr Steven Locke then muted his microphone and continued to listen to the rest of the application via telephone.

During the debate, some members raised questions and concerns regarding the estimated footfall relating to the footpath on site, the boundary issues, access for emergency vehicles and the premature removal of trees prior to planning permission.

The Planning Officer informed members that the ownership dispute was between the applicant and the owner of a neighbouring property and any land ownership disputes would be a civil matter between the parties involved. With regards to access for emergency vehicles, the road was already in existence and provided access to a number of properties. As a result it was considered to be of a suitable size to accommodate access for emergency vehicles.

The Planning Officer informed members that there had been objections received from Oakengates Town Council highlighting over development of the site and loss of green network. He explained that the erection of a bungalow would not be considered over development. As the land was in private ownership and the trees on site were not subject to Tree Preservation Orders the LPA could not prevent the felling of any trees on site. The application proposes replacement trees and landscaping and would be an enhancement to the site as it currently stands.

Some members welcomed the application and stated that in theory that there should be less traffic if the site is used as a bungalow rather than public house and believed the current condition of the previous Rose and Crown Public House was an eyesore.

Upon being put to the vote, it was unanimously;

RESOLVED: That in respect of planning application TWC/2020/0087 that delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives (with authority to finalise conditions and reasons for approval to be delegated to Development Management Service Delivery Manager) set out in the report.

Cllr Andy Bennett, Parish Council Representative and Mr Steven Locke, Planning Agent for applicant left the audio conference.