Agenda item

Land At Queens Street Measham Derby

The Planning and Development Team Manager presented the report to Members.

Ms P Wheatcroft, objector, addressed the Committee. She advised members that when the application had been previously considered the Committee was told that it complied with the 6Cs document, which in her view it did not, and that the title deed document showed that the land was in the ownership of the applicant, which according to her it was not. She reminded Members that she had advised the Committee that she felt that the development was a poor design and that it would not fit within the site, which in her view was correct. She informed the Committee that she had actively tried to engage with the developer to obtain a written undertaking to implement the tree protection plan submitted with the previous application, which had not been included with the application before them and that she had not yet received a response, adding that she felt that the developer had no intention of carrying out the plan. She highlighted that Members were being asked to make a decision on the height of the properties, the site plan showed no levels and had been drawn as though the ground was flat. She stated that if the future residents of plot 2 were to step out of the back of the proposed dwelling there would be a 6-8 foot drop. She stated that the application was passed previously with incorrect information and there was an assumption that it would be passed again, and that just adding conditions would sweep the issues under the carpet. She urged the Members not to progress that application without the tree protection plan and the detailed site plan.

Councillor S Sheahan, neighbouring ward member, addressed the Committee. He advised Members that the development of the site had been to Committee on several occasions. He welcomed the commitment from officers to consult with the neighbours over the boundary treatment, however it did not get away from the fact that the site was being over developed. He felt that officers and the developer should come together to create a high quality design that incorporated Queensway House. He felt that the Committee could not make a decision on the amendment to the height of the dwellings without further information and requested that the application be deferred until more detailed information could be presented.

The officer’s recommendation was moved by Councillor J Coxon and seconded by Councillor V Richichi.

Councillor D Harrison stated that he had made many visits to the site and the only change in the application was the height and depth of a few inches. He felt that if the Committee was to defer the application it would be abdicating its duty, that before them was a correct application and that the site was well known and as such the next time he visited the site would be to see a completed development. He added the site was a mess and that it would provide much needed housing in the area.

Councillor R Johnson sought clarification as to whether the 6Cs standard had been complied with in the application.

The Planning and Development Team Manager advised that it did not but that the Highways Authority was satisfied that there was sufficient off street car parking and there was no impact on highway safety.

Councillor J Legrys stated that were a number of issues that had been highlighted but were not the concern of the Committee, however his own concern was that if the application did not meet the 6Cs standard, the road would not be adopted and therefore the authority would not collect the waste bins from the site. He asked how far the residents of the new development would have to take their waste to the nearest highway point for collection.

The Planning and Development Team Manager advised that waste services had confirmed that they would reverse onto the site on the private drive providing that the applicant was willing to enter into an agreement to indemnify the Council against any future maintenance costs.

Councillor J Legrys requested that, should the application be agreed, a note to the applicant was added stating that it was to be made clear to the new residents that they would have to position bins for collection at correct points.

RESOLVED THAT:

The application be permitted in accordance with the recommendations of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure.