Agenda item

TWC/2020/0446 - Site of Haughmond Court & Apley Court, Dothill, Telford, Shropshire

Minutes:

This application was called to Committee at the request of Cllr Karen Tomlinson.

 

The application sought full planning permission for an 81 unit Extra Care Facility owned and operated by Wrekin Housing Trust on a social rented basis, comprising 38no one bedroom and 43 two bedroom apartments. A ground floor café, lounge area and hairdressers for use by residents and members of the public would be provided and termed the Community Hub; with buggy store, ancillary office accommodation, laundry and plant. The accommodation is proposed to be delivered across each floor, comprising a mass of five and six storey heights (at the northern Apley Court end) which are shown to alter across the site depending on the changing site levels.

 

Mr Camp – Member of the public spoke against this application. He shared with the Committee that his objections relate to the cutting down of trees, in particular, a cherry tree. He believed that cutting down healthy trees was not in keeping with the current climate emergency and his thoughts were shared by other objecting members of the public. He shared the statistics regarding the death rate in Telford that relates to poor air quality.

 

Cllr K Tomlinson – Ward Councillor, spoke against this application. She raised concerns regarding the removal of trees, over development and the lack of consultation due to COVID-19. The updated proposal sought to build closer to the road and therefore will reduce the size of the existing car park.

 

Ms Heather Sutton – Agent for the Applicant, spoke in favour of the application. She shared that the proposed application would address the current shortage of supported living accommodation within the area. The application sought the removal of the current 9 storey building with a view to replacing it with a 5/6 storey building.  The development would be delivered in 2 phases to allow current residents the option to stay in their homes until their new property is ready to move in to. With regards to tree removal, 7 trees would be removed and of which were 3 dead/unhealthy. 22 new trees were proposed to be planted and would include maple and cherry trees to represent the original ones.  The proposed building would be contemporary energy efficient and high quality.

 

Mr Gittins – Planning Officer informed the Committee that the updated plans were closer to Severn Drive than previously proposed. Special attention had been paid to the windows and balconies. With regards to the tree removal, there would be an increase of 15 semi mature trees. The development would provide extra care facilities. Any harm would be outweighed by the benefits.

 

Members of the Committee welcomed this application as it would address the need for more supported accommodation. Concerns were raised with regards to the size of the refuse storage area and accessibility for refuse collection and emergency vehicles. Questions were raised regarding the consultation.

 

Ms Hulme – ((Development Management Service Delivery Managerjob) explained to Members of the Committee that the consultation went out in June, with the deadlines for comments being 3rd July. This was then extended to 10th July. This followed the standard 21 day consultation period.

 

Upon being put to vote, it was unanimously:

 

RESOLVED: That in respect of planning application TWC/2020/0446 delegated authority be granted to the Development Management Service Delivery Manager to grant full 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 update report.

 


Supporting documents: