Agenda item

To determine the application.

David Rowen presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Chris Walford, the agent. Mr Walford explained that he has worked with officers to revise the site layout and has reduced the density, improving the spacing between the plots as well as increasing the garden sizes. He added that he has simplified the road layout which has meant that the houses have been moved away from the flats so that the houses are now looking onto the road and not into the private amenity.

Mr Walford added that with the exception of plot 1 all of the plots within the site are now bungalows which has helped to reduce the overlooking, and he made the point that there is a significant need for bungalows. He stated that the application has been accompanied by a detailed surface water drainage strategy which overcome the earlier concerns with drainage and surface water flooding.

Mr Walford stated that all consultees are in support of the application, and he is happy to agree with all of the pre commencement conditions that have been put forward and he thanked officers for working proactively with him on the application.

Members asked Mr Walford the following questions:

·         Councillor Gertsner asked for clarification as to how many trees are to be removed from the site? Mr Walford explained that an arboriculture survey was undertaken on the site and whilst a period of time has elapsed, he has tried to retain trees. He added that the key areas were at the back at the far right of the site which are being kept, however, to give a precise number then the report would need to be consulted.

Members asked officers the following questions:

·         Councillor Gerstner asked officers to explain how many mature trees are being removed? David Rowen stated that the arboriculture report would need to be consulted in order to provide a precise number. He added that there are quite a few trees that are being removed from within the site, however, that has been assessed by the Council’s Arboriculture Officer who has concluded that the trees are not of sufficient standard to justify any further protection or to justify refusing the application. David Rowen added that as part of the application there is a condition regarding landscaping which will look to get a replacement tree planting schedule submitted through a condition. He stated that the agent, Mr Walford, has indicated from the public gallery that there are 5 trees due to be removed as part of the application. 

Members asked questions, made comments and received responses as follows:

·         Councillor Benney stated that the agent has worked well on the application and felt that the previous was over development before it was refused. He added that the site is going to be developed at some point and the agent has worked well with officers to achieve a recommendation for approval.

Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application should be APPROVED as per the officer’s recommendation.