AGENDA For a meeting of the DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE to be held on TUESDAY, 7 APRIL 2015 at 1.00 PM in the COUNCIL CHAMBER - COUNCIL OFFICES, ST. PETER'S HILL, GRANTHAM. NG31 6PZ Beverly Agass, Chief Executive Committee Members: Councillor Mark Ashberry, Councillor Michael Cook, Councillor Reginald Howard, Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown, Councillor Vic Kerr, Councillor Michael King, Councillor Charmaine Morgan, Councillor Alan Parkin, Councillor Helen Powell, Councillor Mrs Judy Smith, Councillor Jacky Smith (Vice-Chairman), Councillor Judy Stevens, Councillor Mrs Brenda Sumner, Councillor Mrs Jean Taylor, Councillor Martin Wilkins (Chairman) and Councillor Rosemary H Woolley Committee Support Officer: Jo Toomey Tel: 01476 40 60 80 (Ext. 6152) E-mail: democracy@southkesteven.gov.uk (PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE A COMFORT BREAK AT 3.00PM FOR TEN MINUTES) Members of the Committee are invited to attend the above meeting to consider the items of business listed below. 1. MEMBERSHIP The Chief Executive to notify the Committee of any substitute members 2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE 3. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS Members are asked to disclose any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting 4. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17 MARCH 2015 (Enclosure) 5. PLANNING MATTERS To consider applications received for the grant of planning permission – reports prepared by the Case Officer. (Enclosure) The anticipated order of consideration is as shown on the agenda, but this may be subject to change, at the discretion of the Chairman of the Committee. 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS, WHICH THE CHAIRMAN, BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, DECIDES IS URGENT PUBLIC SPEAKING Anyone who would like to speak at the meeting should notify the Committee administrator one working day before the time of the meeting. The deadline by which you must notify us for the 2014/15 meetings are: Meeting Date Tuesday 7 April 2015, 1pm Tuesday 28 April 2015, 1pm Tuesday 26 May 2015, 1pm Notification Deadline Thursday 2 April 2015, 1pm Monday 27 April 2015, 1pm Friday 22 May 2015, 1pm If you would like to include photographs or other information as part of your presentation to the Committee, please send the information in an electronic format (e-mail with attachments, memory stick or disc) to the relevant case officer at least one working day before the meeting. If you are submitting hard copy information, please send it to the relevant case officer at least two working days before the meeting. All speakers are at the Committee Chairman’s (or Vice-Chairman’s) discretion. Each person is allowed to speak for 3 minutes. Members of the Council are allowed to speak for 5 minutes in accordance with Council Procedure Rules. Only one speaker for the applicant or the town and parish council will be allowed to speak. If there are several supporters or objectors to an application, they are encouraged to appoint a representative to present a joint case. Development Control Committee members are able to ask questions about speakers’ presentations. There is a time limit of 10 minutes for each speaker. ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS 1. Short introductory presentation by the case officer 2. Speakers (Committee members will ask questions after each speaker) a. District Councillors who are not Committee members b. Representative from town/parish council c. Objectors to an application d. Supporters of an application e. The applicant or agent for the applicant 3. Debate – Councillors will discuss the application and make proposals 4. Vote – the Committee will vote to agree its decision Agenda Item 4 MINUTES DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 2015 COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT Councillor Mark Ashberry Councillor Reginald Howard Councillor Mrs Rosemary Kaberry-Brown Councillor Vic Kerr Councillor Michael King Councillor Alan Parkin Councillor Helen Powell Councillor Nick Robins Councillor Jacky Smith (Vice-Chairman) Councillor Judy Stevens Councillor Mrs Brenda Sumner Councillor Mrs Jean Taylor Councillor Martin Wilkins (Chairman) Councillor Rosemary H Woolley OFFICERS OTHER MEMBERS Strategic Director, Development and Growth (Steve Ingram) Principal Planning Officers (Tony Boswell, Kevin Cartwright, Justin Johnson) Planning Officers (Nigel Bryan, Alan Harvey, Paul Milne, Phil Moore, Joe Qureshi) Solicitor (Colin Meadowcroft) Principal Democracy Officer (Jo Toomey) Councillor Bob Sampson Councillor Paul Wood 363. (In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 16.5, Councillors Wood and Sampson spoke in connection with application S13/2699/EIAFP) MEMBERSHIP The Committee was notified that under Regulation 13 of the Local Government (Committees and Political Groups) Regulations 1990, notice had been received appointing: Councillor Robins for Councillor Cook. 364. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Morgan and Mrs Judy Smith. 1 365. DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS No pecuniary interests were disclosed, however Councillor Parkin stated he had a personal interest in application S/14/2953/MJRF, Councillor Powell stated that she was the County Councillor for the area covered by application S14/2020/FULL, Councillor Mrs Sumner was the district Councillor for the area covered by application S14/3412/DC and Councillor Kerr stated that he had been lobbied in respect of application S13/2699/EIAFP. In each instance the Councillors did not feel that their interest affected their ability to consider each application with an open mind and took part in debate and voting on those items. 366. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 24 FEBRUARY 2015 The minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2015 were agreed as a correct record. 367. PLANNING MATTERS The Chairman stated that he had changed the order in which the applications would be determined so that those on which members of the public wished to speak were considered first. Decision: To determine applications, or make observations, as listed below: PWM1 Application Ref: S13/2699/EIAFP Description: Five wind turbines each with a maximum height from base to blade tip of 126.5m (and transformer enclosures if necessary); new vehicular access together with new and upgraded access track including turning heads, laydown areas, crane pads, and two watercourse crossings; new control building (size:20m long x 7.5m wide x 5.5m high) and compound and electrical infrastructure. Permanent anemometer mast; Temporary anemometer mast (during construction), temporary construction compound Location: Hough Grange Farm, Hough-on-the Hill, Grantham, NG32 2AN Decision: Refused 13:25 – Councillor Stevens entered the meeting 2 Noting comments made during the public speaking session by: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Councillor Paul Wood (District Councillor for neighbouring District Ward and County Councillor for that Division) Councillor Bob Sampson (District Councillor) John Cooke (Fenton Parish Meeting) Roger Kingscott (Hough-on-the-Hill Parish Council) Marilyn Taylor (objecting) Paul Miley (objecting) John Halton (objecting) Claire Brainerd (objecting) Jackie Britten-Crooks (objecting) Gilly Wilson (objecting) Vikki Hoole (objecting) Rob Thornton (objecting) Paul Snook (objecting) Michael Worth (objecting) David Smith (objecting) Dave Rawlins (objecting) Graham Widart (supporting) John Polkinghorne on behalf of John Freeman (supporting) Douglas Wenn (supporting) Robin Basten (applicant’s agent) together with comments from English Heritage, Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire and the National Trust, no comments received from the Garden History Society, an objection from the Lincolnshire Gardens Trust, comments from the South Kesteven Landscape Consultant, no comments from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, standing advice from Natural England; no comments received from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Bat Conservation Trust and Lincolnshire Bird Club, comments from the Lincolnshire Bat Group and the South Kesteven Ecology Consultant, no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Highways subject to appropriate conditions, no objection from the Highways Agency, no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Footpaths, no objection and comments from Network Rail, an objection from the British Horse Society, no objection from the Ministry of Defence subject to appropriate conditions, an objection from National Air Traffic Services, comments from the Civil Aviation Authority, no objection from South Kesteven Environmental Protection and the Environment Agency subject to appropriate conditions, no objection from the Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board subject to the implementation of an appropriate SUDS scheme; no objection from Anglian Water or the National Grid, no comments received from Western Power Distribution, comments from Ofcom, no comments received from the BBC, comments from JRC, no comments received from Adkins, no objection from Arqiva Telecoms, comments from British Telecom, no comments received from Airwave, no objection from MII Telecoms, Anglian Water (Telecoms), Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and 3 Lincolnshire Police, no comments received from East Midlands Ambulance Service, objections and concerns raised by Newark and Sherwood District Council, Melton Borough Council and North Kesteven District Council, no objection from Nottinghamshire County Council, an objection from Lincolnshire County Council, no comments received from Leicestershire County Council, objections and comments from Hough-on-the-Hill Parish Council, Westborough and Dry Doddington Parish Council, Hougham Parish Council and Stubton Parish Council, comments from Caythorpe Parish Council, concerns raised by Claypole Parish Council, objections from Fenton Parish Meeting, Marston Parish Council, Foston Parish Council, Barkston and Syston Parish Council, Carlton Scroop and Normanton Parish Council, Honington Parish Council, Fulbeck Parish Council, Long Bennington Parish Council, Carlton le Moorland Parish Council, Beckingham Parish Council, no comments received from Allington Parish Council, Barrowby Parish Council, Londonthorpe and Harrowby Without Parish Council, Ancaster Parish Council, Welbourn Parish Council, Stapleford Parish Council, Coddington Parish Council, Balderton Parish Council, Newark Town Council, Hawton Parish Council, Staunton Parish Council, Bottesford Parish Council, Kilvington Parish Council or Belton and Manthorpe Parish Council, objections from Sedgebrook Parish Council, Brant Broughton and Stragglethorpe Parish Council, Barnby in the Willows Parish Council, Cotham Parish Council, Fernwood Parish Council, Wellingore Parish Council, Claswon Hose and Harby Parish Council and Harmston Parish Council, an objection from Belvoir Locals Oppose Turbines (BLOT), Rural Economies and Voters Oppose Loveden Turbines (ReVOLT) and the Rt Hon Stephen Phillips MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham; 738 letters of objection, 224 letters and a petition of support received as a result of public consultation; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents; site visit observations; additional information report circulated to members before the meeting which noted 25 further letters of support, a further objection, an additional representation from ReVOLT and officer comment thereon and comments made by members at the meeting. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be refused for the following reason: The proposal would result in considerable and extensive harm to the landscape character, visual amenity, and the setting and therefore the significance of a number of heritage assets in the area. The harm to heritage assets in most cases would be less than substantial, but in the case of Grade II listed Stubton Hall the harm would be substantial. There would also be an adverse impact on the local economy and aviation safety. It is considered that the identified harm is contrary to the policies of the Development Plan and would not be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposed wind farm. The environmental impact of the proposal is therefore not acceptable and cannot be made acceptable through mitigation so is contrary to Sections 1, 3, 10, 11, 12, of the National Planning Policy Framework, DCLG - Planning Practice Guidance for Renewable and Low Carbon Energy, Policies E1, EN1 and EN3 4 of the South Kesteven Core Strategy, and the siting principles of the South Kesteven Wind Energy SPD. There are fundamental objections to this proposal and it is considered that these cannot be overcome. Therefore consideration has not been delayed by discussions which cannot resolve the reasons for refusal and a decision has been issued in a timely fashion. As such it is considered that the decision is in accordance with paragraphs 186 -187 of the National Planning Policy Framework. 14:49 to 15:17 – The meeting was adjourned NB1 Application Ref: S14/3208/MJRF Description: Demolition of existing redundant buildings and erection of 11 no. 2 bedroom apartments Location: Land to the rear of 32-34 High Street, Billingborough, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 0QA Decision: Deferred Noting comments made during the public speaking session by: • Mrs Montgomery (objecting) together with no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Highways subject to appropriate conditions, no objection from Heritage Lincolnshire, comments from waste and recycling, no objection from Lincolnshire Fire and rescue, no comment from Environmental Protection, comments from the Environment Agency and the Black Sluice Internal Drainage Board, comments from Planning Policy, no request for a financial contribution for health services, no objection from the Partnership Project Officer, requests for a contribution to enhance play equipment by the Community Leisure Officer, comments from the Principal Conservation Officer and an objection from Billingborough Parish Council; 2 letters of objection received as a result of public consultation; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents; site visit observations and comments made by members at the meeting. In discussing the proposals, concerns were raised about historic incidents of flooding in that part of Billingborough, particularly noticed were flooding incidents on 5 July 2012 and 19 May 2014 when flood waters entered properties on West Road, just to the north of the site. Lincolnshire County Council (as the Lead Local Flood Authority) had a responsibility to investigate incidences of flooding. Discussions also referred to access to and the 5 enhancement of existing play equipment, which members wanted to give specific consideration to should the application be approved. It was proposed, seconded, and on being put to the vote, agreed to defer the application pending further information from Lincolnshire County Council on the results of its investigations into the flooding incidents on 5 July 2012 and 22 May 2014. AH1 Application Ref: S14/2020/FULL Description: Erection of two no. dwellings and detached garage with new driveway, light, etc. Location: 11 Station Road, Thurlby, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 0HD Decision: Approved Noting comments made during the public speaking session by: • • Sarah Wade (objecting) John Dickie (applicant’s agent) together with comments from Thurlby Parish Council, no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Highways, no comments from the Environment Agency, no archaeological implications noted by the Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire, no objections from SKDC drainage, and recommendations made by South Kesteven Environmental Protection; 10 letters of objection to the scheme in its original form together with four additional representations received as a result of public consultation; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents; site visit observations; additional information report circulated to members before the meeting which referred to demolition works that had already taken place on site and officer comment thereon, together with an appeal decision on a previous application for the same site. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be approved for the reasons set out in the case officer’s report and subject to the following conditions and notes: 1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. 2. Unless otherwise required by another condition of this permission the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans/drawings submitted as part of the 6 application: Site Location Plan (Rev B - April 25th) received on 31 December 2014 Drawing No. JDA/2012/225/WD/PL/SUR001 received on 11 July 2014 Drawing No. JDA/2012/225/WD/PL/00C received on 24 February 2015 Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL/002D received on 24 February 2015 Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL/003C received on 24 February 2015 Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL/004B received on 31 December 2014 Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL2/WD.001F received on 25 February 2015 Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL2/WD.002C received on 24 February 2015 3. No new build development shall commence on the site until samples of the materials to be used to the external elevations of the proposed development are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details. 4. Notwithstanding the details shown on the submitted plans no new build development shall be commenced on the site until details of both hard and soft landscape works, together with a programme of implementation, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The landscaping scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and the approved programme of implementation. Any trees that die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased within a period of five years from the date of the completion of the scheme shall be replaced in the next available planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the local planning authority gives written approval to any variation. 5. Notwithstanding the details shown on the submitted plans no new build development shall commence on the site until a plan(s) indicating the positions, design, materials and type of boundary treatments (including plot boundaries and any associated land retention details) to be erected, together with a programme of implementation, have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall provide for any retained blockwork to be used for the purposes of providing a boundary treatment(s) to have a render/paint finish to the external faces of the boundary treatment within the application site. The scheme shall be implemented in strict accordance with the agreed details/programme of works. 6. No new build development shall commence on the site until details of the proposed finished floor levels of the proposed dwellings and associated building and proposed finished ground levels within the site (in comparison to a fixed datum point and the existing ground levels) are 7 submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details. 7. No new build development shall commence on the site until details of the arrangements, design, specifications, calculations and levels of all surface water systems have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Unless otherwise first agreed in writing this surface water drainage system shall be a Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SUDS) and shall incorporate a Management Plan. The Management Plan shall include the following details :(i) A overview of the SUDS proposal (ii) A Management statement to describe the SUDS scheme and set out the management aims for the site. The statement should consider how the SUDS will perform and develop over time anticipating and additional maintenance tasks to ensure the system continues to perform as designed. (iii) A specification that describes how SUDS will be constructed and the materials to be used. (iv) A maintenance schedule describing the nature of the work to be undertaken and when that work is to be undertaken using frequency and performance requirements were appropriate. (v) Details of the responsibility for the management and maintenance of each element of the SUDS scheme to be detailed. (vi) Flow rates on and off-site in case of excedence. The development shall be implemented in accordance with the approved surface water drainage scheme and any approved Sustainable Urban Drainage Scheme (SUDS) shall thereafter be operated in accordance with the approved Management Plan. 8. Upon the demolition of the existing buildings at the site (to the extent shown the approved drawings listed at condition 2 above) and prior to any works commencing on the construction of the residential development scheme (including any associated groundworks), a land contamination report/survey shall be carried out to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority. This survey/report shall provide for the taking of soil samples for analysis, detailing the ground conditions in the light of the results of the soil samples analysis and identify the location and type of any contamination found. Details of any remedial works required are to be submitted to and agreed in writing with the Local Planning Authority and are to be carried out in full and approved by the Local 8 Planning Authority prior to any construction work in connection with the dwellings. 9. No new build development (including ground works) shall take place on the site until a report has been submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority to demonstrate that removal and safe disposal of any asbestos from the site has taken place. 10. No new build development shall commence on the site until precise details of the vehicular access to the public highway, including materials, specification of works and construction method (along with a phased programme of works) are submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be undertaken in accordance with the approved details and the approved phased programme of works. 11. The approved parking and garaging facilities to each dwelling as shown on Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL2/WD.001F received on 25 February 2015 shall be provided before the relevant dwelling is first occupied and shall thereafter be retained as being available for the parking of vehicles at all times. 12. The approved arrangements for the turning/manoeuvring of vehicles as shown on Drawing No. JDA/2012/230/WD/PL2/WD.001F received on 25 February 2015 shall be provided before any dwelling is first occupied and shall thereafter be retained as being available for the turning/manoeuvring of vehicles at all times. 13. The open car port proposed to serve the dwelling on Plot 2 shall be provided as shown on approved drawings listed at condition 2 above before the dwelling concerned is first occupied and thereafter be retained as being open (i.e. without any garage doors installed) as shown on the approved plans at all times. 14. The Construction Management Plan received on 31 December 2014 as supplemented by the details shown on Drawing No. JDA/2012/225/WD/PL/011F received on 24 February 2015 shall be adhered to throughout the construction period. The scheme thus provides for the provision of a site office/welfare hut on the site of single storey height only which shall be built in prefabricated panels. 15. No construction works in relation to the development hereby permitted shall be undertaken outside the hours of between 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. Construction works shall include the use of mobile and fixed plant/machinery, (e.g. generators) and the delivery of construction materials. 16. Obscure glazing to at least Pilkington level 5 standard (or its equivalent) 9 and fixed lights shall be installed to the first floor window unit(s) on the south-western side elevation of the dwelling on Plot 1 (as identified on the drawings listed at condition 2 above) before the dwelling concerned is first occupied. Once installed the obscure glazing and fixed lights to this first floor window unit(s) shall thereafter be retained in situ at all times unless Planning Permission has been first obtained from the Local Planning Authority. 17. Obscure glazing to at least Pilkington level 5 standard (or its equivalent) shall be installed to the first floor window units on the front (northwestern) elevation of the dwelling on Plot 2 and to the first floor window unit(s) to the north-eastern side elevation of the front projection to Plot 2 (as identified on the drawings listed at condition 2 above) before the dwelling concerned is first occupied. Once installed the obscure glazing to these first floor window units shall thereafter be retained in situ at all times unless Planning Permission has been first obtained from the Local Planning Authority 18. No opening lights shall be installed to the first floor window units on the front (north-western) elevation of the dwelling on Plot 2 and to the first floor window unit(s) to the north-eastern elevation of the front projection to Plot 2 (as identified on the drawings listed at condition 2 above) unless any part(s) of the window unit which can be opened are more than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which the window is situated. 19. Upon the completion of the dwellings in accordance with this permission and notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no extension, enlargement or other alteration to any of the dwellings or the erection of any structure within the curtilage of any of the dwellings shall be carried out without Planning Permission having been first obtained from the Local Planning Authority. Note(s) to Applicant 1. The County Highway Authority advises that where private drives are proposed as part of any development you should be aware of the requirements laid down in the Lincolnshire Design Guide for Residential Areas. 2. The County Highway Authority advises that prior to the submission of details for any access works within the public highway you must contact the Divisional Highways Manager on 01522 782070 for application, specification and construction information. 10 16:18 – As the meeting had been in progress for 3 hours, the Chairman asked for Members’ consent to continue. Members agreed 16:19 – Councillor Jacky Smith left the meeting TB1 Application Ref: S14/2953/MJRF Description: Residential development of 227 dwellings, public open space, play area, associated infrastructure including highway and pedestrian facilities and drainage infrastructure Location: Land north of 372-400 Dysart Road, Grantham Decision: Deferred 16:46 – Councillor Mrs Sumner left the meeting Noting comments made during the public speaking session by: • • • Alan Campion (objecting) Eddie Mik (objecting) John Boyd (applicant’s agent) together with comments from Lincolnshire County Council Highways, the Environment Agency, SKDC Land Drainage and Flood Prevention, Anglian Water, no objection and a request for a financial contribution from Lincolnshire County Council Education, comments and recommendations from SKDC Environmental Health, no comments received from Lincolnshire Police Crime Prevention Officer, no objection from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, no objections and a request for a financial contribution from NHS Lincolnshire, no objections from the Health and Safety Executive of the Highways Agency; 15 representations received as a result of public consultation; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents; site visit observations; additional information report circulated to members before the meeting highlighting ongoing negotiations in relation to financial contributions and comments made by members at the meeting. 16:52 – Councillor Mrs Sumner returned to the meeting 16:53 – Councillor Mrs Taylor left the meeting 16:55 – Councillor Mrs Taylor returned to the meeting During discussion on the application, members referred to the ongoing negotiations in relation to S.106 contributions and the level of affordable housing that was included within the proposals. Committee members requested 11 additional information relating to these negotiations and the viability of the site, it was consequently proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be deferred so that the committee could be provided with further information. PJM1 Application Ref: S14/1923/FULL Description: Change of use from C3 residential to mixed use comprising C3 residential and C2 residential training centre (health and fitness training) Location: Heydour House, Church Lees, Heydour, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG32 3NG Decision: Approved Noting representations received in relation to the original application which was considered by the Committee on 16 December 2014, together with comments on the amended application, including support from Heydour Parish Council, no objection from Lincolnshire County Council Highways subject to conditions, no objections from Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire, the SKDC Conservation Officer and the Environment Agency and comments submitted by English Heritage and Environmental Protection; four representing supporting the amended plans received as a result of public consultation; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents; site visit observations and comments made by members at the meeting. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be approved for the reasons set out in the case officer’s report and subject to the following conditions: 1. Outdoor physical exercise activities and classes within the grounds of the application site shall only take place on the areas identified for training on Drawing Number 3545/10/001 received on 2nd February 2015. 2. Outdoor physical exercise activities and classes within the grounds of the application site shall not commence before 08:00am and shall cease by 18:00pm. There shall be no physical exercise activities and classes within the grounds of the application site at any other times. 3. There should be no external organised exercise or activities within the grounds of the application site on Sundays or Bank Holidays 4. The use of the application site shall be limited to a maximum of 20 customers/guests utilising the residential accommodation in any 12 calendar week. The use of the application site for customers not staying within the residential accommodation of Heydour House is not permitted. 5. There shall be no playing of amplified music to accompany the outdoor physical exercise activities and classes within the grounds of the application site at any time. 6. The register of visitors shall be available for inspection, on written request of any officer of the Local Planning Authority, at all reasonable times between 09.00 and 17.00 each day. 7. The outbuilding as identified on Drawing Number T139-16 received on 25th November 2014 shall be occupied only by persons employed by or the registered owner or director of the Team Boot camp business operating from on the application site and shall not be occupied as a separate standalone dwelling 8. All activities associated with the development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the noise and disturbance management plan received on 24th February 2015. The development shall be operated in accordance with the approved details at all times unless otherwise agreed in writing with the local authority. 9. The arrangements shown on the approved plan T139-01 rev C dated 22nd September 2014 for the parking/turning/manoeuvring/loading/unloading of vehicles shall be available at all times when the premises are in use. 10. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans submitted as part of the application: Drawing Number T139-03 received on 22nd September 2014 Drawing Number T139-15 received on 25th November 2014 Drawing Number T139-16 Rev A received on 4th December 2014 Drawing Number T139-17 Rev A received on 2nd February 2015 Drawing Number 3545/10/001 received on 2nd February 2015 Noise and disturbance management plan received on 24th February 2015 JQ1 Application Ref: S15/0177/HSH Description: Ground floor rear extension and first floor front, side and rear extension. Replacement of various flat roofs with pitched roofs 13 Location: 22 Hawksdale Close, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 8EG Decision: Approved Noting no objection from Lincolnshire County Council (Highways); no representations received as a result of public consultations; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents and comments made by members at the meeting. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be approved for the reasons set out in the case officer’s report and subject to the following conditions: 1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. 2. The development shall be built in accordance with the materials detailed on the submitted application forms unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. 3. Notwithstanding the provisions of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 (or any order revoking or re-enacting that Order with or without modification), no window, dormer window or rooflight other than those expressly authorised by this permission shall be constructed without planning permission having first been obtained from the Local Planning Authority. 4. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans submitted as part of the application: Drawing No. PL/A1/02 Rev H. Received 23/02/2015. JJ1 Application Ref: S14/3412/DC Description: Approval of details in relation to condition 7 (location of play equipment) of S13/3167 Location: Land off Lincoln Road, Stamford Decision: Approved Noting no objection from the Community Leisure Officer; provisions within the National Planning Policy Framework and the South Kesteven Core Strategy and supplementary planning documents and comments made by members at 14 the meeting. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the application be approved for the reasons set out in the case officer’s report. 368. PLANNING REF: S14/0082 DEMOLITION OF EXISTING BUILDING AND ERECTION OF 35 RETIREMENT LIVING HOUSE UNITS AT SHARMANS AGRICULTURAL LTD, BARNACK ROAD, STAMFORD Decision: That authority is delegated to the Executive Manager, Development and Growth in consultation with the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Development Control Committee to enter into a Section 106 Agreement for S14/0082 (demolition of existing building and erection of 35 retirement living house units at Sharman’s Agricultural Ltd, Barnack Road, Stamford) without an overage clause, to ensure that the Council secures the necessary contribution of £440,000 and including a condition to ensure that the development is commenced within 12 months of the date of the consent being issued. The Principal Planning Officer presented report number PLA1089 which sought to vary the wording of the proposed Section 106 Agreement in relation to planning permission S14/0082 to remove the need for an overage clause, which formed part of the permission approved by the Committee at its meeting on 3 February 2015. The applicants had recently challenged an overage clause attached to development in Buckinghamshire and a copy of the appeal decision had been circulated to members. The Planning Inspector had found that viability should be based on the market conditions at the time the application is granted and where a development was taking place in a single phase and work was anticipated to begin in the ensuing 12 months, it could not be regarded as medium to long-term. Consequently, officers recommended that an overage clause should not form part of the Section 106 Agreement and that a total contribution of £444,000 be requested and the time limit for implementing the development limited to 12 months from the date on which the consent is issued. It was proposed, seconded and agreed that the recommendation in report PLA1089 be approved. 369. URGENT WORKS NOTICE UNDER SECTION 54 OF THE PLANNING (LISTED BUILDINGS AND CONSERVATION AREAS) ACT 1990 IN RESPECT OF THE GRADE II LISTED BUILDING KNOWN AS TOLL HOUSE COTTAGE, BOURNE ROAD, FOLKINGHAM, SLEAFORD, NG34 0HA Following an urgent item of business considered at the Committee’s meeting on 15 2 February 2015, the Councillors were advised that a specification and been produced and an Urgent Works Notice had been served in respect of the Grade II listed building known as Toll House Cottage, Bourne Road, Folkingham. The Committee noted that if the work had not commenced within 28-days of the notice being issued, the Council could carry out that work. 370. ANY OTHER BUSINESS, WHICH THE CHAIRMAN, BY REASON OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, DECIDES IS URGENT The Chairman accepted two consultations on planning applications in neighbouring districts as urgent business because the deadline for consultation responses fell before the next meeting of the Committee. Proposed solar farm and wind farm at Woolfox The proposed officer response was that the solar farm would not have a significant impact on the district, while the wind element was likely to have a demonstrable impact on areas of South Kesteven. Proposed solar farm at Gosberton The proposed officer response was that the proposed solar farm would not have a demonstrable impact on the district however members noted that the application site ran along the South Kesteven border and suggested that the local parish council’s attention should be drawn to the proposal. 17:40 – Councillor King left the meeting 17:41 – Councillors Howard and Woolley left the meeting General discussion also ensued, during which members said that they felt local parishes should be consulted and that any feedback from the district council should reflect that given by the parishes. 371. CLOSE OF MEETING The meeting was closed at 17:46. 16 Agenda Item 5 COMMITTEE: 7 April 2015 NO PWM1 S13/1931 PAGE 1 PROPOSAL AND LOCATION REC Erection of 50 dwellings, garages and associated Infrastructure Land at Bridge End, Colsterworth, Grantham AC Agenda Item 5 PWM1 S13/1931/MJRF Target Decision Date: 01-Nov-2013 Committee Date: 07-Apr-2015 Proposal Location App Type Parish(es) Reason for Referral to Committee Mr Tim Slater, Larkfleet Homes Larkfleet House, Falcon Way, Bourne, Lincolnshire, PE10 0FF Matt Hubbard, Antony Aspbury Associates Limited 20, Park Lane Business Centre, Park Lane, Basford, Nottingham, NG6 0DW Erection of 48 dwellings, garages and associated infrastructure Land at Bridge End, Colsterworth, Lincolnshire Major Full (Residential) Colsterworth This application has been referred to the committee by the authorised officer by virtue of the scale of development. It also requires a Section 106 agreement. Recommendation Members will recall that this application was originally discussed at the Committee meeting of 11 November 2014. It was recommended for approval, subject to final confirmation of the level of affordable housing that could be provided on site. Members voted to defer the application for further consideration of viability and clarification on plot sizes, drives and parking provision. These issues have now been resolved with further information submitted and the applicant agreeing to provide the full 35% affordable housing as required by policy. The issues are discussed in greater detail in the relevant sections of this report. Approved subject to condition(s) Applicant Agent Key Issues • Principle of development (sustainability) • Affordable Housing • Design and Visual Impact • Highway safety/traffic Technical Documents Submitted with the Application • • • • • • • • • • • • • Geophysical Survey Contamination Report Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Flood Risk Assessment Sewage and Water Report Noise Assessment Topographical Survey Ecological Report Transport Statement and Travel Plan Tree Survey Design and Access Statement Planning Statement Viability Assessment 1 2 REPORT 1.0 Application Category 1.1 This application is categorised as a major application for residential development. 2.0 Reason for Referral to Committee 2.1 This application has been referred to the committee by the authorised officer by virtue of the scale of development. It also requires a Section 106 agreement. 2.2 Members will recall that this application was originally discussed at the Committee meeting of 11 November 2014. It was recommended for approval, subject to final confirmation of the level of affordable housing that could be provided on site. Members voted to defer the application for further consideration of viability and clarification on plot sizes, drives and parking provision. These issues have now been resolved with further information submitted and the applicant agreeing to provide the full 35% affordable housing as required by policy. The issues are discussed in greater detail in the relevant sections of this report. 3.0 The Proposal 3.1 This application seeks full planning permission for a residential development of 48 dwellings (reduced from 50 dwellings as originally submitted). The development would include: • • • • • • a mixture of detached, semi detached and terraced (two and three bedroom) houses areas of open spaces and landscaping, particularly along the north and east boundaries a footpath would link the development to Back Lane/Woodlands Drive. New vehicular and pedestrian access from High Street 16 x affordable dwellings a dedicated area for future provision of a local shop within the site. 3.2 Since this application was previously discussed at Committee, the proposal has been amended to provide 35% (16 no) affordable dwellings instead of the 10 originally proposed and minor changes to layout (omission of some garages) have been made to accommodate this amendment. 3.3 In addition, in response to Members’ concerns, the applicant has provided the following information. There are 112 parking spaces provided on the site (including garages and hardstanding areas) – an average car parking provision of 233%. Every house has at least 2 parking spaces, with 14 houses having 3 parking spaces and 1 house having 4 parking spaces. The applicant has stated that they consider these levels of off street parking to be more generous than standard garage and driveway widths as this is a selling point for the developer. Parking spaces range in width between 2.75m and 3m, with the average parking bay at 2.5m by 5.0m to meet the standards of the Highway Authority. 4.0 The Application Site and its Surroundings 4.1 The site is L shaped and consists of the western half of 2 rectangular fields (2.1ha) of greenfield agricultural land on the northern edge of Colsterworth village. 4.2 The main north – south road through Colsterworth (High Street/Bridge End) runs along the west boundary of the site. 4.3 To the west and south west of the site there are estates of mostly C20 housing and ribbon development which form the current northern edge of the village. There is a terrace of C19 alms 3 houses to the south west of the site which are separated from the site by a belt of mature trees. The northern end of the historic core of the village starts immediately to the south east of the site. 4.4 Colsterworth is a ‘Large Village’ designated as a Local Service Centre under Core Strategy Policy SP2. The site itself is allocated for residential development in the Site Allocations and Policies Plan with the proviso that any development is designed to allow for a small local shop either as part of the development or at a later date. 5.0 Relevant Site History 5.1 None 6.0 Policy Considerations 6.1 Planning law requires that applications for planning permission must be determined in accordance with the development plan, unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Relevant national and local policies in respect of the proposed development are as follows: 6.2 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) 6.2.1 Achieving Sustainable Development (paras 6 – 10) – Defines the NPPF’s role and the 3 key elements of sustainable development i.e. economic, social and environmental, making it clear that these 3 elements should not be considered in isolation. It stresses the need to improve the quality of the built, natural and historic environment through among other things, better design, improving living conditions, widening the choice of homes. 6.2.2 Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development (paras 11 – 16) - This summarises the key principle of the NPPF that a positive approach to decision taking should be taken and that development that complies with the NPPF and the adopted local plan should be approved without delay. 6.2.3 Core Planning Principles (para 17) – Sets out the overarching principles of sustainable development that should be followed in decision taking. Those relevant to this application include, promoting patterns of development that encourage use of public transport, walking and cycling, promoting sustainable economic development and ensuring that developments are appropriate to their context, including the historic environment. 6.2.4 Section 1: Building a strong competitive economy (paras 18 -22) – Emphasises the government’s commitment to economic growth and that the planning system should encourage economic growth rather than be an impediment to it. Local planning authorities should plan proactively to meet the development needs of business and business investment should not be overburdened by planning policy expectations. This applies to housing development as well as commercial. 6.2.5 Section 4: Promoting sustainable transport (paras 29-30, 34-35, 37-39) – supports the location of development in sustainable locations which maximises the opportunities for safe access by public transport, walking and cycling, whilst recognising the different solutions that will be necessary in urban and rural areas. 6.2.6 Section 6: Delivering a wide choice of high quality homes (paras 47 – 50) – Makes clear that LPAs should significantly boost the supply of housing by identifying the full objectively assessed housing needs of the district and ensuring provision through suitable allocated sites and windfall sites in their local plan. LPAs should have a 5 year supply of housing land with a 5% buffer. LPAs are also encouraged to set out their own approach to density to reflect local circumstances. 6.2.7 Section 7: Requiring good design (paras 56, 58, 60, 64) – Requires new development to be of high quality design which is appropriate for the character of the area and the way it functions and 4 makes use of all available opportunities to enhance it. Whilst local distinctiveness is encouraged, planning decisions should not attempt to impose architectural styles or particular tastes and they should not stifle innovation, originality or initiative. It is emphasised that good design goes beyond the visual appearance of individual buildings and includes among other things, connections between people and places, and integration with the historic, built and natural environment. 6.2.8 Section 8: Promoting healthy communities (paras 69-70) – Promotes development of housing in locations where it is well integrated with economic uses and community facilities and services. 6.2.9 Section 10: Meeting the challenge of climate change, flooding and coastal change (paras 99-104) - directs development away from high flood risk areas and seeks to ensure that adequate drainage and flood risk mitigation is put in place for new development. 6.2.10 Section 11: Conserving and enhancing the natural environment (paras 111, 118, 120-121, 123) – Encourages the effective reuse of brownfield land, and requires remediation of contaminated land. States that planning decisions should avoid significant adverse effects from noise whilst recognising that all development will often create some noise. 6.2.11 Section 12: Conserving and enhancing the historic environment (paras 128-129, 131-132) – Requires local planning authorities to take into account the significance of any heritage assets affected and the impact on their settings. If harm is identified the relevant tests should be applied. The desirability of development providing an enhancement to the historic environment is also emphasised. 6.3 South Kesteven Local Plan - Core Strategy 2010: 6.3.1 Policy SP1: Spatial Strategy - This policy supports new developments in sustainable locations including allocated sites within local service centres (LSCs) 6.3.2 Policy SP2: Sustainable Communities- This policy defines Colsterworth as a local service centre (LSC) and directs development to LSCs where localised service use is already strong. 6.3.3 Policy SP3: Sustainable Integrated Transport – This policy directs developments to locations which encourage greater use of public transport, walking and cycling to access facilities such as LSCs. 6.3.4 Policy SP4: Developer Contributions – Requires appropriate section 106 contributions to facilitate sustainable development including in this case affordable housing, enhancements to existing play facilities and NHS contributions. 6.3.5 Policy EN1: Protection and Enhancement of the Character of the District – Requires that development must be appropriate to the character and significant natural, historic and cultural attributes and features of the landscape within which it is situated, and contribute to its conservation, enhancement or restoration. 6.3.6 Policy EN2: Reducing the Risk of Flooding – Directs development away from areas identified in the South Kesteven Strategic Flood Risk Assessment and seeks to ensure that adequate drainage and flood risk mitigation is put in place for new development 6.3.7 Policy H1: Residential Development – Sets out the spatial distribution of new housing development over the plan period including sites in LSCs 6.3.8 Policy H3: Affordable Housing – Requires residential developments of 5 or more dwellings to provide a target of 35% affordable housing, preferably on site unless viability or other constraints would justify an off site financial contribution towards affordable housing elsewhere in the district or a reduced contribution. 5 6.4 South Kesteven Local Plan - South Kesteven Site Allocations & Policies DPD 2014 6.4.1 Policy SD1: Presumption in Favour of Sustainable Development – This policy reflects the emphasis of the NPPF towards a positive approach to approving appropriate policy compliant development without delay 6.4.2 Policy LSC1: Housing Allocations in the Local Service Centres – The site (LSC1b) is allocated for residential development within the 2016 – 2021 phase of the plan. It has an indicative density of 40 and an indicative expectation that 14 affordable dwellings would be provided. The policy also states that residential development of this site should be designed to allow for the development of a small local scale shop to serve the needs of the local community either as part of the development or at a later date. 6.4.3 Policy SAP10: Open Space Provision – Sets out types and amounts of open space provision that is expected for new residential developments. Off site provision or enhancement of existing facilities is supported where appropriate. 6.5 Supplementary Planning Documents/Guidance 6.5.1 Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document – This documents sets out the thresholds and formulas used to calculate S106 contributions. 7.0 SKDC Corporate Priorities 7.1 The Council’s Corporate Priorities are to: 7.2 Grow the economy • Support & facilitate the growth of business • Enable delivery of attractive retail & leisure offer • Easy to do business with – look to say yes • Promote infrastructure to support growth • Skills – high value employment • Attract as a destination for investment 7.3 Keep SK clean, green and healthy • • • • • 7.4 Promote leisure, arts and culture • • • • 7.5 Enable development of our parks and open spaces Clean and attractive street scene Sustain high levels of recycling Reduce the Carbon footprint of our organisation Encourage active & healthy lifestyles Support and enable development of a diverse economy – daytime & evening Enable wide ranging leisure opportunities Enable access to a balanced culture & arts programme Promote our heritage & tourism Support good housing for all • Ensure the right mix of housing meets local needs 6 • Enlarge the development of lifetime homes • Support the creation of neighbourhoods • Reduce fuel poverty 7.6 This application supports the “keep SK clean, green and healthy”, “grow the economy” and “good housing for all” strands of the Council’s priorities by providing new good quality homes in a sustainable location whilst respecting the streetscene and providing new open space and enhancing existing open space. The occupiers would contribute to the local economy through support for local businesses and shops. 8.0 Consultations 8.1 Colsterworth Parish Council: Object – the application is premature and does not comply with the SKDC Site Allocations and Policies Plan (SAP), i.e. inadequate provision for retail, the allocation is not phased for release until 2016 and the density is too high. Highway/traffic concerns. Inadequate local consultation. Not enough open space. 8.2 LCC Highway Authority: Various concerns were raised about elements of the originally submitted layout although no fundamental objection. No objection raised to the proposal as amended, subject to conditions. In respect of the site proposed for future retail, consider that it would be suitable for a small shop in highways terms. 8.3 Highways Agency: No objection 8.4 Heritage Trust of Lincolnshire: The proposal affects an area of ridge and furrow, which should be recorded. This work can be secured through a programme of works condition 8.5 English Heritage: No detailed comments but advise that the setting of grade I listed Woolsthorpe Manor, particularly views looking east from the building be taken into account. 8.6 National Trust: Initial concerns raised in respect of the setting of grade I listed Woolsthorpe Manor, particularly from the built form at the north end of the site. Consider that amended plans including extra landscaping on the northern boundary resolve this issue but have concerns about loss of open space within the redesigned layout. 8.7 Natural England: No statutory sites affected. Refer to their standing advice 8.8 Anglian Water: The local sewerage system has sufficient local capacity to accommodate this development. A sustainable drainage system (SUDS) for surface water drainage is preferred with connection to a sewer as the last option. Request that conditions be attached requiring final details of the drainage strategy 8.9 Upper Witham Internal Drainage Board: No objection in principle subject to surface water drainage condition 8.10 SKDC Drainage Officer: No objection in principle subject to surface water drainage condition 7 8.11 Valuation Office Agency (District Valuer): The development can accommodate the full 35% affordable housing required by policy without negatively affecting viability. 8.12 Environmental Protection: There are no contaminated land issues. Conditions are requested to ensure that noise mitigation measures in the submitted noise report are implemented, including a 2m acoustic barrier along the eastern boundary. 8.13 NHS: Request a contribution of £45200 (£904 per dwelling) towards healthcare services in the area. 8.14 Lincolnshire CC Education: No contribution towards education required 8.15 South Kesteven DC Open Space Officer: Requests a contribution of £34460 towards upgrading existing recreational facilities in the village. 8.16 South Kesteven DC Streetscene (Refuse Collection): Some concerns raised about the layout and the ability of HGVs to manoeuvre within the site. 8.17 Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue: No objections 8.18 Lincolnshire Police: Some minor concerns raised relating to layout as originally proposed. A number of general suggestions made in relation to amended layout mostly relating to fencing, parking etc, not all of which are related to planning. 8.19 Natural England: No objection in relation to statutorily protected sites. They also refer to their standing advice. 8.20 South Kesteven DC Tree Officer: There would be limited impact on the trees within the site which collectively are important in terms of visual amenity and the character of the area. New buildings appear to be outside the root protection areas of the trees but conditions required to ensure trees are adequately protected during construction and no dig construction is used where there is encroachment onto root protection areas from hard surfaces. Some concern raised about the proximity of a small number of plots to large trees with potential to be overbearing and therefore pressure to remove at a later date. It may be prudent to carry out a survey to assess the suitability of some of the better trees for tree preservation orders. 8.21 South Kesteven DC Affordable Housing Officer: 35% (16 no) on site affordable housing required to be provided through a section 106 agreement. The amended house types and tenures are acceptable. 9.0 Representations received as a Result of Publicity 9.1 The application has been advertised in accordance with the Councils adopted Statement of Community Involvement relevant to this type of planning application. 9.2 Neighbours have been notified of the application and a site notice posted. A further public consultation was carried out following the receipt of amended plans. The period for receipt of comments expired on 28 October 2014. 8 9.3 14 letters of objection had been received raising the following concerns: • • • • • • • • • • • • No need for more housing Local services overstretched Allocated site not due for release until 2016 The site for shop is unsuitable in terms of plot size and highways/traffic Almshouses would be adversely affected Poor design Excessive density Highways concerns Inadequate community consultation TPOs should be respected More smaller homes needed Flooding issues 9.4 1 letter in support of the application was received, welcoming new housing to the area 10.0 Officer Evaluation 10.1 Main Issues • • • • 10.2 Principle of development (sustainability) Viability Design and Visual Impact Highway safety/traffic Principle of Development 10.2.1 The thrust of national and regional and local policy is that development should be in sustainable locations wherever possible. The CS has a very clear spatial strategy for the location of new development. CS policies SP1(Spatial Strategy) and H1 (Residential Development) direct the majority of new housing development in the rural area towards the more sustainable villages with a higher level of local services/amenities which have been identified as Local Service Centres (LSCs). Colsterworth is designated as an LSC under Core Strategy policy SP2. In LSCs development on allocated sites will be permitted in principle, subject to compliance with other policies. 10.2.2 The site is allocated for residential development under SAP policy LSC1bfor an indicative quantity of 40 dwellings subject to the following proviso: LSC1b (Colsterworth): residential development of this site should be designed to allow for the development of a small local scale shop to serve the needs of the local community either as part of the development or at a later date. 10.2.3 Policy LSC1 of the SAP indicates that allocated sites in LSCs are to be released in 3 phases, the application site being in the second phase proposed for development between 2016 and 2021. However, the SAP also allows some flexibility in granting planning permission earlier than these dates (normally no more than 12 months) to take account of time delays between the granting of permission and development commencement as well as the need to maintain a continuous 5year supply of housing land. 10.2.4 Currently the Council’s does have a 5-year land supply and in the circumstances and in line with the SAP, the principle of granting permission for residential development of this allocated site within 12 months before the 2016 - 2021 phase is acceptable. 9 10.2.5 The proposed development (as amended) makes adequate provision for affordable housing and a future small scale local shop within the site as required and whilst the density is higher than the indicative 40 dwellings, the site can accommodate the proposed 48 dwellings without conflicting with other CS policies. 10.2.4 Taking the above into account the principle of residential development of this site for 48 dwellings is acceptable. 10.3 Design, Layout and Visual Impact 10.3.1 The site is allocated for residential development in SAP policy LSC1b so it is already accepted that the character and appearance of the area would change from open countryside to a built up area. There are many positive aspects to the proposed design which is generally appropriate for an edge of village site. 10.3.2 Good use is made of existing landscape features and the development would be contained with the existing east – west field boundaries. The hedgerow boundaries including the hedgerow running through the centre of the site as well as the tree belt on the boundary would all be retained and enhanced. 10.3.3 Additional landscaping within the site and along the northern and eastern boundary as well as open space would soften the visual impact from viewpoints beyond the village. Density proposed, whilst higher than the indicative figure of 40 in the SAP is still fairly low and would consist of a mixture of detached and semi detached dwellings and short terraces, none of which would exceed two storeys. The established semi rural appearance of the northern approach to the village with development well set back from the road would be largely maintained. As such the development would generally be well integrated with the existing built form of the village. 10.3.4 Within the site, the layout generally follows the established principles of good design with good linkages between different parts of the site as well as a pedestrian link to Woodlands Drive. Dwellings are arranged facing the street and public open spaces to provide good natural surveillance. The site reserved for the shop is capable of accommodating a small scale shop of appropriate design which would be well integrated into the wider site and streetscene. Conditions requiring final details of materials and landscaping will ensure that the character and appearance of the development is as locally distinctive as possible. 10.3.5 The setting of nearby Grade I listed Woolsthorpe Manor, Woolsthorpe conservation area in which it is located as well as the Grade I listed St John the Baptist church is an important material consideration. However, the provision of additional landscaping and tree planting on the northern boundary as well as the open space at the north end of the site would ensure that the rural setting of Woolsthorpe Manor and Woolsthorpe conservation area would be preserved. The church’s prominence in views of the village and its wider setting would not be harmed. Equally the setting of the terrace of C19 almshouses on the east side of High Street, which are regarded as undesignated heritage assets, would not be unduly compromised. 10.3.6 Taking the above into account, the proposal is acceptable in terms of design and the impact on the character and appearance of this part of the village, and would preserve the settings of nearby heritage assets. 10.4 Residential Amenity 10.4.1 Taking into account the separation distances proposed as well as the orientation of buildings, it is not considered that the development would be detrimental to the residential amenities of the occupiers of properties within the site or adjacent properties. 10.5 Highways Matters 10.5.1 The Highways Authority have indicated that their original concerns have been addressed and that the proposal for residential development is acceptable in highways terms subject to conditions. 10 10.5.2 In respect of the site proposed for future retail, the Highways Authority have indicated that it would be suitable for a shop in highways terms. 10.6 Drainage 10.6.1 A sustainable drainage system (SUDS) is proposed with a holding ponds to the north and west of the site. The layout was redesigned in response to objections from drainage consultees including the Environment Agency (EA). In drainage terms the amended layout is acceptable subject to details to be required by condition. 10.7 Ecology 10.7.1 The submitted phase 1 habitat survey shows that ecology would not be adversely affected. Retention of trees and hedges as well as additional landscaping proposed as part of the application would result in an enhancement to biodiversity. 10.8 Trees 10.8.1 The Council’s tree officer considers that some of the trees on site may be worthy of a Tree Preservation Order and that a future survey may be prudent. The buildings on site are sufficiently separated from any trees to ensure that roots are not damaged (subject to appropriate conditions). 10.9 Noise 10.9.1 The site is fairly close to the A1 trunk road and there is potential for future residents to be adversely affected by noise. However South Kesteven DC Environmental Protection officers are satisfied that this can be mitigated by conditions requiring measures including acoustic fencing along the east boundary. 10.10 Affordable Housing 10.10.1 CS Policy H3 requires developments of 5 or more dwellings to provide 35% affordable housing which on a development of this size and type would be expected to be provided on site. For a proposed development of 48 units it is expected that 16 would be affordable. 10.10.2 The applicant has submitted a viability assessment showing that the site would not be viable if it were to provide the full 35% affordable housing requirement. However, this assessment does not demonstrate any exceptional or unexpected costs which would not have been known to the developer on securing the site. The site is greenfield and is allocated for development. Other than normal site development costs such as access, service provision and drainage, there are no exceptional infrastructure costs, therefore development costs would not be expected to exceed normal industry average build costs. 10.10.3 The CS affordable housing policy has been in place since 2010. The land value used by the developer should take account of the affordable housing policy requirement. 10.10.4 The NPPG-Viability Guidance provides detailed advice about viability in decision making, including how to determine development costs and land values and makes it clear that in all cases the value of land should reflect planning policy requirements and Planning Obligations. The applicant’s viability assessment does not explain how the figure for the value of the land has been arrived at and the justification appears to be that they consider this to be the market value for the land. 10.10.5 On a site such as this it is expected that a developer should be able to deliver the required affordable housing requirement, unless there is clear evidence that there are exceptional 11 development costs (which could not have been known about at the time the site was purchased). In this case the applicant’s viability assessment does not been adequately demonstrate this. 10.10.6 In accordance with Members’ requests, Officers have sought the advice of an external viability consultant - the Valuation Office Agency (District Valuer) to confirm whether or not the full level of affordable housing would make development of this site unviable and whether the reduced amount offered can be justified. The VOA have concluded that the development would be viable with the full 35% affordable housing requirement. 10.10.7 The applicant has accepted the VOA’s conclusion that 35% (16 no) affordable dwellings should be provided and have amended their plans accordingly. However, the applicant appears not to have accepted that the land value should take into account planning policy requirements (in accordance with government guidance) and continues to argue that the stated land value is the open market value for the land and that it is unclear whether the landowner will accept a reduced offer. They have suggested that the permission should be conditioned to allow a 5 year (rather than the standard 3) period in which to commence the development. Officers consider that there are no exceptional circumstances to justify this. 10.11 Conclusion 10.11.1 The proposed residential development is on an allocated site within a sustainable local service centre and makes adequate provision for a future local shop. The design and appearance is appropriate for the context. The development is therefore acceptable. 10.11.2 Accordingly, for the reasons set out above, this application is recommended for approval subject to necessary conditions and a S106 agreement to secure an appropriate level of affordable housing and contributions towards play equipment. 11.0 Section 106 Heads of Terms 11.1 The Section 106 requirements for this development are as follows: • £34,460 towards upgrading existing recreational facilities in the village. • 35% affordable housing (16 dwellings) to be provided on site. 11.1.1 These obligations are considered to fit the statutory tests of Section 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations (2010) (As Amended). 11.2 The NHS has requested a S106 contribution of £45,200 towards healthcare facilities in the area. However, following recent case law and changes to government guidance on planning obligations, it is considered that such a contribution would not fit the statutory tests of Section 122 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations (2010) (As Amended) and therefore cannot be justified. 12.0 Crime and Disorder 12.1 It is considered that the proposals would not result in any significant crime and disorder implications. 13.0 Human Rights Implications 13.1 Articles 6 (Right to fair decision making) and Article 8 (Right to private family life and home) of the Human Rights Act have been taken into account in making this recommendation. 13.2 It is considered that no relevant Article of that act will be breached. 12 14.0 SUMMARY OF REASON(S) FOR APPROVAL 14.1 It is considered that the development of this allocated site for residential, within a sustainable local service centre is in accordance with the sustainability aims of national, and local policy. It is considered that the proposal would result in a form of development which is appropriate and compatible with the surrounding area and would not be detrimental to highway safety or neighbours' amenities or the settings of nearby heritage assets. 14.2 It is therefore considered that the current proposal is in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (Sections 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, & 12) and policies SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, H1, H3, E1, EN1 & EN2 of the South Kesteven Core Strategy, and policies SD1, SAP 10 & LSC 1 of the South Kesteven Site Allocations and Policies Plan. Whilst concerns have been raised in relation to highway matters, drainage and visual amenity they are not considered to outweigh the policies referred to above although conditions have been attached. 14.3 In reaching the decision the Council has worked with the applicant in a positive and proactive manner by determining the application without undue delay. As such it is considered that the decision is in accordance with paras 186 -187 of the National Planning Policy Framework. 15.0 RECOMMENDATION: 15.1 Defer to Chairman and Vice Chairman in consultation with the Lead Officer for approval subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement and in accordance with the conditions set out below. Where the section 106 agreement has not been concluded prior to the Committee a period not exceeding six weeks post the date of the Committee shall be set for the completion (including signing) of the agreement. 15.2 In the event that the agreement has not been concluded within the six week period and where in the opinion of the Development Management Service Manager acting in consultation with the Chairman of the Development Control Committee, there are no extenuating circumstances which would justify a further extension of time, the related planning application shall be refused on the basis that the necessary criteria essential to make what would otherwise be unacceptable development acceptable have not been forthcoming. 16.0 RECOMMENDATION: That the development be Approved subject to condition(s) 1. The development hereby permitted shall be commenced before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. Reason: To comply with Section 91 (as amended) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. 2. No development shall commence until final details of the materials to be used in the construction of external walls and roofs have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. Only the agreed materials shall be used in the development. Reason: To ensure a satisfactory appearance to the development and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 3. No development shall take place until full details of both hard and soft landscape works have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority and these works shall be carried out as approved. These details shall include [proposed finished levels or contours; means of enclosure; car parking layouts; other vehicle and pedestrian access and circulation areas; hard surfacing materials; minor artefacts and structures (e.g. furniture, play equipment, refuse or other storage units, signs, lighting etc.); proposed and existing functional services above and below ground (e.g. drainage power, communications cables, pipelines etc. indicating lines, manholes, supports etc.); retained historic landscape features and proposals for 13 restoration, where relevant]. Soft landscape works shall include [planting plans; written specifications (including cultivation and other operations associated with plant and grass establishment); schedules of plants, noting species, plant sizes and proposed numbers/densities where appropriate; implementation programme]. Reason: Hard and soft landscaping and tree planting make an important contribution to the development and its assimilation with its surroundings and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 4. All planting, seeding or turfing comprised in the approved details of landscaping (required by condition 3 above) shall be carried out in the first planting and seeding season following the occupation of the buildings or the completion of the development, whichever is the sooner; and any trees or plants which within a period of five years from the completion of the development die, are removed or become seriously damaged or diseased shall be replaced in the next planting season with others of similar size and species, unless the District Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation. Reason: Landscaping and tree planting contributes to the appearance of a development and assists in its assimilation with its surroundings. The implementation of the scheme is therefore necessary to create and maintain a pleasant environment and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the South Kesteven Core Strategy. 5. A landscape management plan, including long term design objectives, management responsibilities and maintenance schedules for all landscape areas, other than small, privately owned, domestic gardens, shall be submitted to and approved by the local planning authority prior to the occupation of the development or any phase of the development, whichever is the sooner, for its permitted use. The landscape management plan shall be carried out as approved. Reason: Hard and soft landscaping and tree planting make an important contribution to the development and its assimilation with its surroundings and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 6. The existing hedgerows within and surrounding the site shall be retained in accordance with the approved plan and maintained thereafter at a height of no less than 1.5m. Reason: To retain the character of the area and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the South Kesteven Core Strategy. 7. Before development is commenced on site a detailed up to date method statement & tree protection plan all retained trees shown on the approved plan shall be submitted to and agreed in writing with the local planning authority. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. Reason: To prevent unnecessary damage to existing trees and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 8. No development shall take place until there has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority a plan indicating the positions, design, materials and type of boundary treatment to be erected as well as the specification of the accoustic fencing along the eastern boundary. The boundary treatment shall be completed before before the buildings are occupied. Development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details. Reason: To provide a satisfactory appearance by screening rear gardens from public view and in the interests of the privacy and amenity of the occupants of the proposed dwellings and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 9. Before development is commenced, details of all new hard surfaces inside the root protection ares of the retained trees including the method of construction (by way of no-dig method) should also be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. 14 Reason: To prevent unnecessary damage to existing trees and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 10. The development shall be constructed in accordance with the noise mitigation recommendations in the Environmental Noise Assessment Report by BSP Consulting, submitted with the application. Reason: To prevent disturbance to the amenities of residents living in the locality and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 11. No development shall take place within the application site until the applicant has secured the implementation of a programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to and approved by the Local Planning Authority. Reason: In order to provide a reasonable opportunity to record the history of the site and in accordance with Policy EN1 of the adopted South Kesteven Core Strategy (July 2010). 12. No development shall take place until a surface water drainage scheme for the site, based on sustainable drainage principles and an assessment of the hydrological and hydrogeological context of the development, has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The drainage strategy should demonstrate the surface water run-off generated up to and including the 100 year plus climate change critical storm will not exceed the run-off from the undeveloped site following the corresponding rainfall event. The scheme shall subsequently be implemented in accordance with the approved details before the development is completed. The scheme shall also include: i. details of how the scheme shall be maintained and managed after completionand who will adopt the SUDs features ii. detailed calculations of the surface water drainage scheme taking into theidentified discharge rate of 5.6l/s iii details and justification of the SUDs elements which have been incorporated into the design Reason:To prevent the increased risk of flooding, both on and off site. 13. No building works which comprise the erection of a building required to be served by water services shall be undertaken in connection with any phase of the development hereby permitted until full details of a scheme including phasing, for the provision of mains foul sewage infrastructure on and off site has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. No dwelling shall be occupied until the works have been carried out in accordance with the approved scheme. Reason: To prevent flooding, pollution and detriment to public amenity through provision of suitable water infrastructure. 14. Before the access is brought into use all obstructions exceeding 0.6 metres high shall be cleared from the land between the highway boundary and the vision splays indicated on drawing number SK-04 Revision L dated 24 February 2015 and thereafter the visibility splay shall be kept free of obstacles exceeding 0.6 metres in height. Reason: In the interests of safety of the users of the public highway and the safety of the users of the site. 15. Before the dwellings are occupied, the access and turning space shall be completed in accordance with the approved plan drawing number SK-04 Revision L dated 24 February 2015 and retained for that use thereafter. Reason: To ensure safe access to the site and each dwelling/building in the interests of residential amenity, convenience and safety and to allow vehicles to enter and leave the highway 15 in a forward gear in the interests of highway safety. 16. No development shall be commenced (apart from those works identified on drawing number SK04 or as specified) before the works to improve the public highway (by means of Uncontrolled pedestrian crossing) have been certified complete by the local planning authority. Reason: In the interests of safety of the users of the public highway and the safety of the users of the site. 17. Before each dwelling (or other development as specified) is occupied the roads and/or footways providing access to that dwelling, for the whole of its frontage, from an existing public highway, shall be constructed to a specification to enable them to be adopted as Highways Maintainable at the Public Expense, less the carriageway and footway surface courses. The carriageway and footway surface courses shall be completed within three months from the date upon which the erection is commenced of the penultimate dwelling (or other development as specified). Reason: To ensure safe access to the site and each dwelling/building in the interests of residential amenity, convenience and safety. 18. No dwellings (or other development as specified) shall be commenced before the first 50 metres of estate road from its junction with the public highway, including visibility splays, as shown on drawing number SK04 Rev L dated 22nd September 2014 has been completed. Reason: In the interests of safety of the users of the public highway and the safety of the users of the site and to enable calling vehicles to wait clear of the carriageway of Bridge End Road. 19. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following list of approved plans submitted as part of the application: SK 04 L received 24 February 2015 SD 39 & SD 40 both recieved 14 October 2014 L0/GAR/02 received 28 January 2014 L74/GAR/09B & L74/GAR/07B both recieved 12 July 2014 2308/DS received 24 October 2014 1206-DS-01; 2224/L00/DS; 2306/L00/DS; 2318/L00/DS; 2323/L00/DS; 2324/L00/DS; 2401/L00/DS; 2427/L00/DS; 2428/L00/DS; 2508/L00/DS; 2509/L00/DS - all received 12 July 2013 Reason: To define the permission and for the avoidance of doubt. Note(s) to Applicant 1. Prior to the commencement of any access works within the public highway, you should contact the Divisional Highways Manager on 01522 782070 for application specification and construction information. 2. You are advised to contact Lincolnshire County Council as the local highway authority for approval of the road construction specification and programme before carrying out any works on site. 3. In order to satisfy the foul water drainage condition, an adequate scheme would need to be submitted demonstrating that there is (or will be prior to occupation) sufficient infrastructure capacity existing for the connection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of quantity and quality of water within the proposed phasing of development. 16 N.B. Amendments from previous layout include omission of detached garages from plots 19 – 22, 42 & 49. There are no changes to house types although these plots are now affordable dwellings. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 ***** 24
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