Agenda item

Erection of 8no. two storey dwellings (including accommodation in roof - resubmission) [Holgate Ward] [Site Visit]

Members considered a full application, received from Mr Peter Mortimer for the erection of 8no two storey dwellings (including accommodation in the roof - resubmission).

Officers circulated an update, which is attached to these minutes.

Representations were received from a neighbour in objection to the application. He felt that this application would raise the level of traffic in an area that was already struggling with a high volume of traffic. He showed concerns with the parking in the area and felt the road leading to the properties would be too narrow, which could effect the Emergency Services as they would find it difficult to enter the site. He also stated that he had concerns with the removal of the kerbs, the rubbish collections and he felt the noise from the trains would have a large affect on the owners of the new houses especially at night when the engines were left running.

Representations were received from the applicant’s agent in support of the application.  He confirmed that his client had considered all the local residents objections and officers comments when resubmitting this application. He felt the development would provide good quality town houses in a sustainable area close to the city centre.  He stated that the current access road had sustained a high volume of traffic since it had been built.

Members discussed the options available if the Fire Brigade were unable to access the site and in answer to Members questions the agent stated that his client would consider installing a sprinkler system.

Representations were received from the Ward Councillor, Councillor Alexander in objection to the application.  He stated that local residents had concerns over this application, in particular:

·        Parking – shortage of parking at present and this application would bring more vehicles into the area.

·        Privacy – Intrusive on neighbouring properties

·        Access – Emergency vehicles would struggle accessing the site

·        Noise – Unfair on residents who may buy the properties as noise from the railway line can go on through the night

·        Density – too high

·        Public Right of Way – objecting to gating Jennifer Grove

·        Adoption of the highway

·        Drainage – not been addressed properly

·        Street Lighting – no details in the application

Some Members were concerned that some internal and external departments had expressed issues with the development. Members discussed the noise from the trains, the traffic, the removal of the kerbs and the parking issues in the area and after much debate it was agreed that the kerbs should be retained and with this amendment to condition 23 the application was approved by 6 votes for, 2 against and 1 abstention. 

RESOLVED:  That the application be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report and the changes made to condition 23 to read:¹

• Notwithstanding the submitted plans the kerbs to the vehicles access should be retained in situ.

REASON:      In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal, subject to the conditions listed above, would not cause undue harm to interests of acknowledged importance, with particular reference the residential amenity of the neighbours, the visual amenity of the dwellings and the locality, and highway safety. As such, the proposal complies with Policies GP1, GP10, H4a, ED4 and L1c of the City of York Council Development Control Local Plan (2005); national planning guidance contained in Planning Policy Statement 1  "Delivering Sustainable Development" and Planning Policy Statement 3 "Housing".