Agenda item

Reserved matters application for the approval of landscaping details following approval of outline application for the demolition of an existing dairy distribution facility and development of student accommodation (11/00050/OUTM). [Fishergate Ward]

Consideration was given to a major reserved matters application, submitted by Uniliving Ltd, for the approval of landscaping details following approval of an application for the demolition of an existing dairy distribution facility and the development of student accommodation.

Officers reported that since the committee report had been prepared revised plans had been received to address concerns raised in relation to planting and the quality of the internal circulation space. Details of the principal amendments and items to be retained had been set out in an update circulated at the meeting (full details of which have been attached to the agenda) and included:

·        Retention of the proposed water pools at either side of the entrance.

·        Substitute proposed single birch standards with small oak trees.

·        Extend the range of planting around Blocks C, D and E, amendments to hedge planting and bulb arrangement to address the Landscape Architects concerns.

·        Seating now proposed in the outdoor amenity areas.

·        Gated access at the junction of Block C, including pedestrian ramp and retaining wall.

·        Amendment of Condition 3 requiring detailed submission of external seating and boundary railings.

Representations in support were then heard from the applicant’s agent. He confirmed that the landscaping scheme had been put forward following discussion with officers, resident’s feedback and comments made by members.

Members questioned a number of points in relation to the scheme including:

·        Possible amendment of the landscaping condition to state that any trees or plants which died should be replaced in perpetuity. Legal confirmation was received that Inspectors at appeals had overruled the attachment of similar conditions by Local Authorities in the past.

·        Some of the trees appeared to be positioned between windows and relatively close to the buildings. Confirmation that the amenities of future residents had been taken into account when agreeing tree species to overcome any future problems.

·        Confirmation that the seating proposed on the site frontage would be accessed via a gate within the site behind the boundary railings.

Following further discussion it was

RESOLVED:       That the application be approved subject to the imposition of the conditions set out in the report and to the under mentioned amended condition:

Condition 3: Notwithstanding the application details hereby approved full details of the proposed external seating and boundary railings for the Hull Road frontage of the site including design, location and materials shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before work on site commences. The development shall thenceforth be undertaken in strict accordance with the details thereby approved prior to the blocks being first occupied.

Reason: To safeguard the amenities of future occupants of the flats and to secure compliance with Policy GP1 of the York Development Control Local Plan.

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 to impact upon visual amenity of the street scene, impact upon the residential amenity of neighbouring properties and impact upon the living conditions of future occupants. As such the proposal complies with Policy GP1 of the City of York Development Control Local Plan.