Agenda item

Reserved matters application for residential development comprising 360 dwellings after demolition of existing college (Resubmission)

Members considered a major reserved matters application, submitted by George Wimpey Ltd, Shepherd Homes Ltd and Magna Holding Ltd, for a residential development comprising 360 dwellings after demolition of existing college (resubmission).

Officers updated on amended and proposed additional conditions if Members were minded to approve the application, relating to Highways, Sustainability, and Public Open Space. Officers also updated that seven additional letters from adjacent occupiers had been received, and updated on tree planting, house type, drainage plan, dilapidation survey and the memorial stone.  

Representations were received from a resident of Middlethorpe Drive regarding the proposed three storey houses on the boundary of Middlethorpe Drive. She stated that although they were shown on the plans as being 2 ½  storey houses they were in reality three storey houses which were too close to the boundary line. She also stated that there would be very little room for trees and landscaping.

Representations were received from a resident of Lycett Grove who spoke of his concerns regarding flooding, height of dwellings, a reduction in privacy, the raising of ground levels, and the density, layout and mass of the proposed development.

Representations were received in support of the application from the agent for the applicant. She stated that the separation distances on the storey heights were above the standard requirements.

Representations were received from a representative of Dringhouses & Woodthorpe Planning Panel. He stated that the proposal of 360 dwellings would create an isolated village community, with no central focal point in the development. He stated that if Members were minded to approve the application he would want a condition that three small retail outlets would be included and a village hall. He also stated that there would be no medical care within the community and he had doubts whether the local schools, and dental and health centre facilities would have the capacity to accommodate the proposed residential development. He also referred to an ongoing boundary dispute and the proposed development backing on to Lycett Grove.

Cllr Holvey spoke as a Ward Councillor. He stated that he supported the speakers who had spoken in objection to the proposals, and that the application should be refused as there were a number of unresolved issues including flooding, and stated that the raising of ground levels would not solve this. He also raised issues regarding the bad design, comments of the Police Architectural Liaison Officer, and the height of the 2 ½ storey houses. He stated that if Members were minded to approve the application he would request three conditions regarding the gating of alleyways, the ownership and maintenance of drainage ditches, and the retention of the wall on Middlethorpe Drive and Lycett Grove.

Members discussed the outstanding boundary dispute, drainage issues, height, scale and massing of the proposed dwellings, parking spaces, affordable housing,  air quality and highways issues, floor levels, landscaping, and cycle and bin storage. Members raised conditions they would like to be included in the application relating to the wall dispute, height, drainage and the locking of gates.

RESOLVED :            That the application be deferred.

REASONS:                For the following issues to be considered by the developer:

·         The siting, massing and height of the proposed dwellings on the northern boundary

·         Flooding

·         Maintenance and ownership of the ditches

·         Height of the proposed dwellings

·         Cycle and bin storage

·         Issues relating to gating alleyways, and the ownership of gates

·         The civil dispute regarding the wall

·         Affordable Housing issue is still in negotiation

·         Tree planting on the northern boundary

·         Car Club