Issue - meetings

Proposal Description: The construction of a pair of semi-detached two-storey dwellings to the rear of the plot, fronting Thornton Close.

The application was introduced. Members were referred to the update sheet which provided additional information regarding several matters including the following.

1. Amendment to Condition 16: This condition now includes the removal of all permitted development rights from Part 1 and Class A of the GPDO (General Permitted Development Order), specifically relating to hard surfacing. Full details were set out in the update sheet.
2. New Condition 17: This new condition requires a construction management plan to be submitted, which must cover aspects such as parking, vehicle turning, construction vehicle movements, and deliveries. Full details were set out in the update sheet.

In addition, the case officer provided a verbal update and provided further information concerning that a new condition will be added concerning access to the site from Thornton Close. This condition would require evidence to be submitted prior to the commencement of works, confirming that the land for access has either been purchased or that rights for access, utility services, and drainage have been granted by the current landowner.

The purpose of this is to ensure that the development is accessible to vehicles and that there is sufficient room for safe manoeuvring.

During public participation, Jonathan Hickey and James Chaplin spoke in objection to the application, and Madhu Murtala spoke in support of the application and answered members' questions.

Councillor Margot Power spoke as a ward member and expressed several points on behalf of residents which could be summarised as follows.

1. Councillor Power did not believe that there would be a positive impact on the character of the area. She stated that Thornton Close residents would lose "free-range" car parking spaces and an area of hedging. She also disputed that the development would not harm residential amenities, highlighting that it would result in increased traffic and reduced parking provision.
2. It was pointed out that the report indicated 15 properties nearby at that end of Thornton Close. This was quite a densely packed area where some properties had no outside space. Councillor Power questioned why residents of Thornton Close had not been notified of the planning application, as they were the ones who would be most affected, whilst the impact on Grange Road residents was comparatively minor.
3. Councillor Power referenced the original planning application for the wider development, which was for 34 houses and 75 car parking spaces. She highlighted a discrepancy in the current car parking space count for the area, noting the officer's figure of 56 spaces, whereas her own count was 42 spaces plus eight garages. She added that submitted photographs, including those of the night-time parking situation, illustrated the limited parking available.
4. In conclusion, Councillor Power stated that the two proposed houses would damage the visual appearance of Thornton Close, as residents would overlook parked cars and bins instead of greenery. She felt the development would negatively impact close neighbours, would remove two regularly used “free-range” car  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8