Agenda item

This full application is for the erection of 8 two storey dwellings with gardens and new access to Brecks Lane, following the demolition of an existing bungalow.

Councillor Doughty has requested the application be considered by the Committee on the grounds of the objections raised by the Parish Council and the nearby residents. [Strensall] [Site Visit]

Members considered a full application by Mr D Gath for the erection of 8 two storey dwellings with gardens and associated garages with new access to Brecks Lane, following the demolition of an existing bungalow.

Representations in objection were received from a next door neighbour. He stated that he felt that the revised drawings submitted by the applicant were not suitable, that the height of houses proposed would be out of kilter with other properties in the vicinity and that that residents felt that the development would not fit in.

Representations in support were received from the agent for the applicant. He informed the Committee that foul water would be displaced to an adopted water sewer in Littlethorpe Close, and that the pipe was deemed to be capable of taking this additional water. In relation to the impact on adjacent properties, in particular plot 5, the agent said that there had been a change in level of 500 mm which reduced the aspect from number 15 Littlethorpe Close of the properties. Finally he stated that he felt that the density of development was consistent with the vicinity.

Representations were received from a member of Strensall with Towthorpe Parish Council. He spoke about how he felt that the loss of amenity to neighbouring properties would be restricted to half of the site, but remained concerned about surface water. In relation to the roadway that was proposed, he highlighted that a footpath alongside the road did not exist and that problems could arise with cars parking on Brecks Lane, which would lead to blocking the access for both residents and refuse vehicles.

Representations were received from Councillor Doughty, the Ward Member. He stated that he was in agreement with local residents, in that the proposal constituted overdevelopment and that the buildings would be overbearing. He added that the proposals relating to properties 5-8 could breach policy on scale and mass and stated that the Local Planning Authority could now determine density on application sites, and suggested that Members should take into account the density of the surrounding area when making their decision.

Officers from the Environmental Protection Unit attended the meeting, and answered questions from Members relating to contamination(the application site was on a former landfill site) and to foul water.

Officers reported that a condition would be attached to planning permission, for a remediation scheme to cover any work that needed to be done in order to decontaminate the site. In relation to the dispersal of foul water, it was reported that the public sewer did have capacity to take the water, but that not all of the pipe was owned by the water company. As such, the drains connected to the properties would be private.

During their debate, Members felt that they could support the application if a footpath was built to access the properties, that permitted development rights for extensions be removed and if a condition be added for landscaping to mitigate privacy issues.

RESOLVED:       That the application be approved.

REASON:           In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the proposal, subject to the conditions listed in the Officer’s report, 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”.