Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on the additional consultation carried out at the Executive’s request following concerns raised by a small number of residents regarding the approved planning application to build 9 apartments at Newbury Avenue.  Members are asked to approve the development of 8 bungalows on the site.

Resolved:  That Executive agree Option 1, as detailed in the report, to bring forward the development of 8 new bungalows on the Newbury Avenue site.

Reason:     To ensure that further account of residents concerns are considered and a development scheme brought forward which meets the council’s and the communities needs.

Consideration was given to a report which provided an update on the additional consultation carried out, at the request of the Executive, following concerns raised by a number of residents regarding the approved planning application to build nine apartments at Newbury Avenue.

Officers reminded Members that the report to the Executive in June 2015 had included details of the first phase of new council homes which included provision for nine apartments on the Newbury Avenue site. At that time concerns had been raised by local residents and ward members which had resulted in a re–examination of the proposals and further consultation.  Arising from this the following alternative options had been examined and costs of each were set out in the report:

1 - 12 x 1 bed (2 person) apartments

2 - 12 x 1 bed (1 person) apartments

3 - 8 x 1 bed (2 person) apartments

4 - 8 x 1 bed (2 person) bungalows

5 – original scheme 9 Apartments, 8 x 2 bed & 1 x 1 bed

Officers confirmed some of the key issues raised during consultation had been the height of the proposed apartments and length of the construction period.

Members noted that the alternative costs of each option were based on Quantity Surveyor estimates and detailed costs would be received when the scheme was tendered. They also noted that amendments would be required to the Council’s capital programme at a later date.

A Ward Members expressed his appreciation for the additional work undertaken in relation to this site which would allow local residents to downsize and release family homes for reuse.

Consideration was then given to the following options:

Option one – To approve ‘Alternative Scheme 4’ to build 8 new (2 person) bungalows. 

Option two – To instruct officers to bring forward a different alternative scheme or continue with the previously approved development scheme.

Resolved:  That Executive agree Option 1, as detailed in the report, to bring forward the development of 8 new bungalows on the Newbury Avenue site. ^1.

Reason:     To ensure that further account of residents concerns are considered and a development scheme brought forward which meets the council’s and the communities needs.