Agenda item

Erection of 36no. dwellings (use class C3) with associated open space, landscaping, access and parking following demolition of existing care home and garage blocks [Guildhall Ward]

[Cllr Burton joined the meeting and Cllr Steward gave apologies and left the meeting].

Cllr Whitcroft noted that he attended university with Sam Fitzpatrick (in attendance remotely to answer questions along with the applicant) and had not been in contact with them regarding the application.

Members considered a major full application from City of York Council for the Erection of 36 dwellings (use class C3) with associated open space, landscaping, access and parking following demolition of existing care home and garage blocks at Willow House 34 Long Close Lane York YO10 4UP.

The Head of Planning and Development gave a presentation on the application. She was asked and clarified the location of the Corsican pine tree. She explained that the scheme was a complete mix of house that noted that here was no lift in the proposal. She then gave an update on the application noting amendments to conditions.

Public Speakers

Zoe Dunn spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant. She explained that she was please to speak in support of completely affordable housing which was a mix of council housing and shared ownership. She thanked Lisa Otter and their team for their work and thanked officers at the pre application stage of the application.

Zoe Dunn was joined by Rob Moorhouse (remote) and Sam FitzPatrick (remote) to answer Member questions. They were asked and explained that:

They had addressed some comments from highways. It was explained that cycle parking met LTN 1/20.

The design was deliverable and was designed to Passivhaus but did not necessarily meet Passivhaus certification.

A 60% social rent and 40% shared housing split would be met.

Tracking had been carried out for CYC refuse vehicles using the turning circle. The turning circle meant that three trees didn’t need to be removed.

The scheme was in an R18 zone and a carriage survey of R18 showed that it was only 50% full. It was a car free development in an accessible location.

There were four disabled car parking spaces for wheelchair accessible homes. The development provided a range of accessible units. Every unit could be made accessible.

Lisa Otter spoke in support of the application on behalf of the applicant. She explained that the scheme delivered 36 new affordable homes. She added that the landscape was friendly and that sustainability was central to the design process. She thanked local residents for their engagement in the consultation. She thanked officers noting that the development was designed for the present and the future.

Lisa Otter was joined by Emily Ingham (remote) and Sophie Cole (remote) to answer Member questions. In response to Member questions, they explained that:

It was a strategy of the scheme that residents couldn’t apply for car permits as the scheme was car free. The applicant would need to work with the highways team about visitor parking.

The levels of sustainability were very high which meant that running costs were very low for residents.

Paragraph 5.104 of the published report detailed the open space arrangements and calculations. The open space met the minimum requirements.

During debate Cllr Burton proposed the officer recommendation to approve the application, and amendments to Conditions 6, 7, 10, 20, 23, 25 and 27 as detailed in the committee update. This was seconded by Cllr Whitcroft. Following a unanimous vote in favour it was;

Resolved: That the application be approved subject to updated Conditions 6, 7, 10, 20, 23, 25 and 27 as detailed in the committee update

Reasons:

                     i.        The application seeks consent for the erection of 36no. dwellings (use class C3) with associated open space, landscaping, access and parking following demolition of an existing care home and garage blocks at Willow House, Long Close Lane.

                    ii.        The application site lies within an urban area of the city, in a sustainable and accessible location and in a predominantly residential area. The development would contribute to the city’s housing stock and provision of affordable housing. Whilst redevelopment of the brownfield site is considered to less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset that is the City Walls, it is considered that the public benefits outweigh the less than substantial harm identified in respect of the impact upon the designated heritage assets.

                  iii.        The scheme is considered otherwise acceptable with regard to its design, layout and appearance, impact on highway safety, residential amenity of existing and future occupiers and the natural environment, subject to the imposed conditions. In light of the above, It is considered it complies with national planning guidance, as contained in the National Planning Policy Framework, Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and the City of York Local Plan. Approval is therefore recommended.