Issue - meetings

RECOMMENDATION:  That planning permission be refused.

WARD:  Southbury

 NOTED

1.    The introduction by David Gittens, Planning Decisions Manager, clarifying the proposals.

2.    The deputation of Julian Carter, agent, spoke against the officers’ recommendation of refusal.

3.    David Gittens responded to questions raised by the deputee:

·         Should the applicant agree to signing a legal agreement securing contributions to the extension of the controlled parking zone condition (CPZ) reason for refusal 4 would be reconsidered at the time of receipt.

·         Whilst there was an awareness that the proposed scheme contained a housing mix of 100% affordable housing this was not supported by the design, which was harmful to the area and would be detrimental to both local residents and local amenity. 

·         When completed the development would be next to the pathway.

4.    Members debate and questions responded to by officers.

5.    During the discussion the following points and requests were made:

·         The proposal for affordable housing at London rent was acknowledged, however support was expressed in the reasons for officer’s proposal to refuse the application on the grounds that it was over development of the site, the impact on the adjoining properties and close proximity to the street.

·         The development by virtue of its size, bulk, massing, proximity and siting to neighbouring occupiers would give rise to an unneighbourly loss of sunlight and daylight and unneighbourly sense of enclosure.

·         There would be a detrimental impact on residents physical and mental health and wellbeing.

·         There was the potential that Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) would increase which would arise from a densely populated development, with many families with children and little green space. 

·         Poor parking provision would exacerbate the existing parking problems in the area.

·         Sunlight would be obscured from the gardens of properties due south.

·         Although a legal agreement would fund the implementation of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) the cost of on-going maintenance would fall to residents.

6.    The support of the majority of the Committee for the officers’ recommendation to refuse the application with eight votes for and one abstention.

AGREED that planning permission be refused for the reasons set out in the report of officers.

RECOMMENDATION:  That planning permission be refused.

WARD:  Southbury