Agenda item

Catherine Dalley House, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray

Applicant:     McCarthy And Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd

Location:      Catherine Dalley House, Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray

Proposal:     Demolition of existing buildings, erection of 46 retirement apartments, 10 bungalows, communal facilities, landscaping, access, car parking and ancillary development.

 

(a)  The Development Manager (LP) presented the report and stated that:

The application is for the demolition of existing buildings notably the former care home and Silverdale Lodge and proposes the erection of 46 retirement apartments, 10 bungalows, and associated works. Of the total 56 homes being proposed, 23 are 1 bed living apartments, 23 are 2 bed living apartments and 10 are 2 bed bungalows.

The scheme consist of a single building in the form of a 3 and 2 storey L shaped block occupying a similar part of the site to the existing car home building.  Bungalows are proposed to have a dormer style and there is sufficient outdoor space associated with the development and additional tree planting and landscaping envisaged.  The proposal will have traditional materials and the design will reflect the character of the original house.

A Financial Viability Assessment has been submitted as part of the proposal and independently assessed by the District Valuer Service which concluded that a planning policy compliant scheme is not viable, and that the proposed scheme can only viably support an affordable housing offsite contribution of £210,000 together with contributions towards the NHS of £24,307 and Libraries of £1,340 the agent has confirmed that an offer of £235,647 in line with the independent viability conclusion is made.  In order for the scheme to be policy compliant a sum of £706,893 would be requested.

It is considered however that together with the positive nature of the scheme in design terms and the provision of a form of housing for which there is a recognised need for this is sufficient to justify the shortfall in contributions and the application is therefore recommended for approval subject to conditions and the requisite Section 106 agreement being made.

 

(b)  Neil Martyn, the agent, was invited to speak and stated that:

·         Well designed scheme

·         Positive use

·         No technical objections

·         Lots of public support

·         Sustainable location

·         Meets identified local need

·         Good mix of housing including bungalows

·         Complies with Planning Policy

 

A Cllr asked if the site will be gated or if the green areas will be open to the public.

 

Mr Martyn stated that the garden space will not be accessible to the public as there is the safety of the residents to consider.

 

A Cllr asked if any trees will be taken down as these screen the noise and should be retained.

 

Mr Martyn stated that the trees at the front will be retained as these all have TPO’s. The only tree being taken out is a small one to widen access.

 

The Chair stated there is a well established hedge and asked if the fence will be on the inside of the hedge, or if the hedge is being removed.

 

Mr Martyn stated that it depends on the ownership and that all existing landscaping will be attempted to be retained.

 

The Applications and Advice Manager advised that the plan states a 2m close bound fencing and there could be a condition requesting further landscaping above what has been submitted.

 

Cllr Holmes proposed to permit the application as it is a brilliant scheme, has a good ambience and is much wanted.

 

Cllr Cumbers seconded the proposal to permit and stated it is much needed, a lovely setting and a good use of the land.

 

The Chair asked if the proposer and seconder are happy to add a landscaping condition.

 

Cllr Holmes stated that a condition should be added to retain the hedge.

 

A Cllr had concerns about the swift nesting sites and asked if this could be conditioned to be mitigated.

 

The Applications and Advice Manager stated that condition 17 covers this and 10 swift boxes will be provided.

 

A vote was taken. It was unanimously decided that the application be permitted.

 

Determination: PERMIT subject to:

(i)            Conditions as set out in the report;

(ii)          Adjustment of or an additional condition to secure retention of hedges

(iii)Completion of a s106 agreement to secure the offered  developer contributions for:

 

·                    Off site Affordable housing provision

·                    NHS contribution;                                                                                                    

·                    Libraries contribution

for the sums set out in the report.

 

REASONS:

The site has a sustainable location close to the town centre, and the proposal would secure a beneficial use of a currently unused brownfield site. The scheme will bring much needed accommodation for older people in an accessible location, and with a resolution of the issue of developer contributions being offered, the proposal largely accords with the relevant and material provisions of the development plan including its housing objectives. The proposed development involves a high quality design that will enhance both the character and appearance of the local area.  The proposal would secure a high standard of design and ensure satisfactory amenity for future and existing occupiers.