Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2021

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2021 were confirmed and authorised to be signed by the Chair.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

Councillor Posnett held a standing personal interest in any matters relating to the Leicestershire County Council due to her role as a County Councillor.

 

Minute 102 – Deed of Variation - Waltham

Councillor Browne declared a personal and pecuniary interest in this item as he worked for a housing association which had a working relationship with Platform HG being the applicant and housing association for this application.  He advised that he would leave the meeting for this item.

 

Minute 102 – Deed of Variation - Waltham

Councillor Higgins made a point of clarification that as the Portfolio Holder for Growth and Prosperity (and Deputy Leader) he had not met with the developer or applicant on this application nor directed officers in any matters connected with the application.

 

Councillor Holmes thanked Councillor Higgins for this clarification.

Land South of Frisby on the Wreake, Leicester Road, Frisby on the Wreake -

This item has been withdrawn from this agenda

This application was withdrawn from the agenda.

2 Vaughan Avenue Bottesford

Reference:	20/00651/FUL
Location:	2 Vaughan Avenue Bottesford NG13 0EF
Proposal:	Proposed 3 bedroom bungalow with integral garage

 

The Planning Development Manager addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application and that the recommendation was for approval.

 

Mrs Parker pointed out that there had been a drafting error on the original report which showed the property images as being wrongly positioned and incorrectly labelled. This had been resolved and Members had received the correct version which was also available on the Council’s website.

 

The Planning Development Manager responded to questions as follows:

 

·         The width distance between the garage and no. 2 Vaughan Avenue was 0.45m which would not be wide enough to accommodate disabled aids such as a wheelchair

·         Images showing the previous refused application next to this application would be available during debate so that proposed and previous developments could be compared

 

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to  public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a 3 minute presentation:

 

·      Councillor Bob Bayman, Bottesford Parish Council

Councillor Bayman responded to Member questions as follows:

The Parish Council agreed that the size of the garage and driveway was too small to accommodate two vehicles and there was no safe car parking provision on the roadside between the property and the end of the road

 

·      Richard Colchester

 

·      Malcolm Bunn, Agent, Hana & Co

Mr Bunn responded to a Member question that the trees and shrubs recommended at the side of the driveway would be of the type to grow to the height of the sill of the car window in line with planning regulations to ensure good visibility

 

In response to Member questions, the Planning Development Manager responded:

 

·           The garage size had been increased to 6 x 3m internal dimensions which was in line with Leicestershire County Council’s regulations and the requirement of two off road car parking spaces had been met.

·           With regard to loss of trees, this was partly due to visibility and condition 4 allowed for further details on landscaping to be supplied

·           The previous application was referred to in the report but the application before them was the one for consideration at the meeting

·           It was noted that poor design and overspill parking which cluttered the street scene could be used as a reason for refusal under Local Plan policy D1.

                

During discussion the following points were noted:

 

·         Due to restricted visibility, there was concern for safety when reversing out of the driveway

·         The property was felt to be too densely populated on the site and in conflict with policy D1 for refusal

·         Lack of amenity space for the neighbouring property was raised

·         The development was felt to be poorly designed and not able to accommodate a wheelchair or access for a wheelie bin to the side of the property

·         Members felt the development was garden grabbing and constituted over development of the site 

·         The design of the property was felt to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL100

Kirby Lane, Melton Mowbray

Reference:	19/01099/REM
Location:	Kirby Lane, Melton Mowbray
Proposal:	Reserved Matters Application for 199 units (Phase 1 of the wider approved development) including details of appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of development (Amended Plans).

 

The Local Plans Manager addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application and that the recommendation was for approval. It was noted that the road adjacent to the western green was blocked paved which provided a softer, less urbanised feel than a tarmac finish.

 

(Councillor Douglas was present as an observer.)

 

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to  public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a 3 minute presentation:

 

·      Robert Galij of Barratt David Wilson Homes

    In response to Member questions, Mr Galij responded

·      It was a highly desirable development and living environment which was fit for purpose, and would co-exist within the wider area and holistically connect to other parts of the entire development 

·      It the application was approved, they would acquire the site and commence construction as soon practically possible. Build rates were  market driven and there were no indications for a negative effect or on the public’s desire for owner occupation on this site

·      During the pandemic, the company had continued activities whilst strictly adhering to covid regulations and they were now back up to full speed and would seek to utilise and employ locally if possible

 

In response to Member questions, the Local Plans Manager responded :

 

·         On reducing the speed limit on the development to 20mph, the limit was set by the Highway Authority at 30mph

·         The number of homes on the site was determined at the outline stage

·         A management company would be responsible for the maintenance of the green and open spaces 

 

During discussion the following points were noted:

 

·         Members were satisfied with the development and felt that the discussions between the developer, Ward Councillors and the Lead Planning Officer (Sarah Legge) had resulted in positive compromises and a much improved development and those who had taken part in the negotiations were to be commended for their commitment and approach

·         Members appreciated the improved parking arrangements, the increase in green space, linkage to Kirby Fields and the softer look and flow of the development

·         The development would support employment and boost the town centre and the Borough’s economy not only during construction but when people moved in and it was felt to be a desirable place for people to make their home

 

Councillor Wood proposed that the application be approved. Councillor Higgins seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That application 19/01099/REM be APPROVED subject to conditions.

 

(Unanimous)

 

REASONS

 

The application site is allocated for housing and outline planning permission for the development has been granted. The principle of the access and the number of units proposed considered and approved at the outline stage.

 

The proposal as revised would result in a form of development that would be acceptable to the character of the locality by virtue of  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL101

To consider proposed amendments to the Section 106 agreement associated with application 14/00777/OUT that have been requested by the applicant.

Reference:	14/00777/OUT
Location:	Land behind 38- 48 High Street Waltham on the Wolds
Proposal:	Request to vary Section 106 Agreement in relation to Planning Permission 14/00777/OUT

 

(Councillor Browne here left the meeting due to his personal and pecuniary interest declared at Minute PL97.)

 

The Assistant Director of Planning and Delivery addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the report which focussed on the requests from Platform HG to vary the existing s106 relating to the site in order to remove a limit of 6 affordable homes, adjust the terms of the provisions of the shared ownership dwellings to allow wider occupation and adjust the mortgagee provisions within the agreement.

 

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to  public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a 3 minute presentation:

 

·      Councillor Geoff Hulland of Waltham on the Wolds Parish Council

 

·      Val White

 

·      Judith Wise of Platform HG, Applicant

     In response to Member questions, Mrs Wise confirmed that

·      she had not previously met with or discussed the scheme with Councillor Higgins

·      the company had not been aware of the specific affordable housing limit before purchasing the site and considered it rare that a maximum number be applied to such a scheme

 

The Assistant Director for Planning and Delivery explained that a S106 agreement could be amended in exceptional circumstances.

 

During discussion the following points were noted:

 

·         Should there be any change to the original approval, it was noted that this would not affect the monetary contributions of the S106 agreement

·         The Council was committed to affordable housing generally including in rural areas but the tenures offered were limited and did not meet the nature of demand in the area at present

·         It was noted that Platform HG only offered affordable rented properties or shared ownership and some people wanted to own their own homes eventually through rent to buy or low cost housing and this site needed to consider other options for Members to consider changing the terms

·         It was important that the right type of affordable housing was available in the right locations

·         It was considered that affordable housing should be spread across the Borough particularly in the rural areas as it was the mixture of housing types that helped to make a richer community

·         A large affordable housing development could stigmatise an area

·         The recommendations were not subject to local plan policies as this was not a planning application

·         An issue was raised with affordable rented properties as villages had no control over how these were allocated and recent cases had shown that they could be rented to tenants who lived far away from the area even though such properties were needed for local people

·         It was felt that a local connection test could be applied in allocating affordable housing

 

Councillor Steadman proposed the recommendations in the report and Councillor Chandler seconded the motion.

 

RESOLVED

 

That:

 

(1)  the request for a Deed of Variation be declined and

 

(2)  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL102

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

 

There was no urgent business.