Agenda item

Recommended for Approval.

The Director of Neighbourhood Services recommended that, in respect of application 3/12/1417/RP, planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.

Councillor S Bull, as the local ward Member, commented on the height and density of the proposed development.  He expressed concerns in respect of overlooking of neighbouring properties and also in respect of the proposed access, which was inappropriate for the number of vehicles that would use the site.  He emphasised that Longmead was a narrow cul-de-sac with restricted views.

Councillor S Bull stated that the application would have a detrimental impact on the amenity of No 8 Longmead.  He also expressed concern that the social housing element of the development was concentrated in one corner of the site. 

Councillor S Bull sought clarification of who would be responsible for maintaining the footpath located to the north of the site.  He concluded that the proposed development was not compatible with the structure and layout of the surrounding area.  Councillor M Newman referred to this being a reserved matters application and he supported all of the reservations referred to by Councillor S Bull.

Councillor D Andrews supported the comments made by Councillors S Bull and M Newman.  He also commented on whether there should be a condition attached to protect any archaeological finds on the site.  The Director advised that an archaeological condition had been attached to the outline planning permission and was therefore still relevant for this reserved matters scheme.

Councillor Mrs R Cheswright expressed concerns in respect of the proposed number of large 4 to 5 bedroom houses when residents needed smaller 1 to 2 bedroom houses.  She referred to the concerns held by the Arboricultural Officer regarding the loss of open amenity space.  Councillor Cheswright also referred to the comments of Hertfordshire Constabulary in respect of the lack of natural surveillance within the site.

Councillor M Alexander sought and was given clarification from Officers regarding the flood risk as the Council’s engineer appeared to show a degree of concern in contrast to the Environment Agency.

In response to concerns from Councillor S Bull regarding the maintenance of the footpath to the north of the site, the Director advised that a condition could be applied securing the necessary arrangements and stipulating that details must be submitted to and agreed by Officers prior to any development of the site.

The Director stated that, as most of the points raised by Members were detailed matters, Members could defer the application if these were matters that the Committee would like resolved by Officers in consultation with the applicant.

Councillor M Newman proposed and Councillor M Alexander seconded, a motion that application 3/12/1417/RP be deferred to enable Officers to enter into discussions with the applicant in relation to the scale and size of properties, the responsibility for the maintenance of the footpath, the provision of amenity space, the location of affordable housing and the concerns raised by Hertfordshire Constabulary.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.  The Committee rejected the recommendation of the Director of Neighbourhood Services as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that in respect of application 3/12/1417/RP, planning permission be deferred to enable Officers to enter into discussions with the applicant in relation to the scale and size of properties, the responsibility for the maintenance of the footpath, the provision of amenity space, the location of affordable housing and the concerns raised by Hertfordshire Constabulary.