Agenda item

Longcliffe Hill House, Longcliff Hill, Old Dalby

(Councillor Browne was not in attendance for this application due to his interested declared at Minute PL81 above and did not return to the meeting after this application was determined.)

The Planning Development Manager addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application and advised that the proposal had been amended following a workshop with the agent and representatives of the Parish Council. This had resulted in alterations to 5 out of the 8 plots which included change of materials, removal of some of the previously rendered plots along with the addition of more chimneys and blue clay roof tiles to plots 1 and 2 to better reflect Longcliffe Hill House. The amendments had also included the removal of roof lights to the majority of the properties which Members could remove permitted development rights to should they consider necessary.

The housing mix was confirmed as being at least 3 bed, 2 storey houses apart from 1 x 2 bed bungalow. There was a Member concern that the properties were quite large and it was requested that an overall size of the 3 bed homes be provided for the debate.

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:

·         Phil Dorn, Nether Broughton and Old Dalby Parish Council

·         James Hicks, Agent, Pegasus Group

There was a Member query as to how they would deal with the great crested newt pond at the back of the site and Mr Hicks responded that there was an extensive programme of ecological work being undertaken to address statutory obligations and an application had been lodged with Natural England as to how to deal with the newt population and the final scheme had to meet with Natural England’s approval before development could go ahead.

The Assistant Director for Planning and Delivery advised the measurements of the 3 bed houses as being 7m x 10m each floor without the garage. The bungalow was 10m x 12m less approximately 25m for the L shape.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Concern at the housing mix being larger than average homes which suggested a high level of under-occupancy. The Neighbourhood Plan had suggested smaller units were needed for the elderly to remain in the village and larger homes be released for families and this application did not meet that aspiration

·         Housing mix was about the value on the open market

·         The outline application had indicated larger homes and there was Member support for larger 3 bed houses and a bungalow

·         The Parish Council and the developer be commended for working together on this development

·         Developer had taken on environmental responsibilities and the additional car parking for visitors was appreciated

Councillor Posnett proposed the recommendations in the report and Councillor Glancy seconded the motion.

RESOLVED that

The application be approved subject to the conditions as set out at Appendix C.

(9 for, 1 against)

REASONS:

The application is recommended for approval as the principle of residential development is established and the amended plans have demonstrated a layout, scale and design that is in keeping with the area and would not have a significant adverse impact on neighbouring residential amenity. The house type designs through consultation with the Parish Council have been amended to reflect the rural vernacular.