Agenda item

20/01274/FUL - Variation of planning conditions 2 (approved plans), 3 (materials), 9 (utility services plan) and 11 (construction management plan) attached to planning permission 19/01037/FUL to allow adjustments of house types, garages and plots and to seek approval of matters reserved by conditions - 354 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 1PW - Hagley Homes Limited

Meeting of Virtual meeting, Planning Committee, Monday 15th February 2021 6.00 p.m. (Item 86/20)

Minutes:

Officers reported that following the submission of an Archaeological Field Evaluation, Conditions 6 and 7 were no longer required, therefore it was recommended that Condition 6 and Condition 7 be deleted; as detailed in the published Update Report, copies of which were provided to Members and published on the Council’s website prior to the commencement of the meeting.

Officers reminded Members that a scheme for 12 dwellings was previously approved in October 2019, on the former Burcot Garden Centre site, the relevant planning history was detailed on page 9 of the main agenda report. The garden centre closed in July 2020 and had subsequently been demolished.

The applicant, Hagley Homes Limited, were now seeking a modification of the approved proposals, as detailed on page 7 of the main agenda report; under Section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

Officers drew Members’ attention to the Proposed Site Layout presentation slide, which outlined the proposed changes that the developer was looking to achieve.

Officers reiterated that the number of dwellings proposed remained at 12, the same as the approved scheme, changes to the design of the scheme were detailed on page 12 of the main agenda report. All changes to the scheme were considered acceptable in relation to the Green Belt.

Officers’ further drew Members’ attention to information regarding the S106 agreement, in the event that a S73 consent was granted, as detailed on page 9 of the main agenda report.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Mr. S. Holloway, the Applicant’s agent addressed the Committee.

The Committee then considered the Application, which Officers had recommended for approval.

In response to Member’s questions, officers clarified that the access road to the site would not be adopted by Worcestershire County Council, Highways and that this was not a material planning consideration, so was not within Members remit when determining this application.

Officers further responded with regards to the variation that the 4 bedroom dwellings were now proposed as 5 bedroom dwellings, and that because 8 of the 12 dwellings proposed were 3 bedrooms or less; the revised scheme complied with Policy BDP7. The 5 bedroom dwellings would have 3 car parking spaces.

Officers stated that the affordable 3 bedroom dwellings, in their opinion, were not distinguishable from the other proposed 3 bedroom dwellings.

Members were informed that the proposed location of the development on the site was considered to ensure that effects on residential amenity were minimised. The proposed Juliet balconies on Plots 10 and 11 had now been removed. With regards to separation distance, as referenced in the SPD, the distance of 21m being a minimum acceptable distance; officers commented that they had to consider the circumstances and context of the site. Taking into account gable side elevations, any existing vegetation, or any oblique angles, that would form part of the decision making when officers looked at any separation distances and amenity.

In response to questions from Members with regard to what appeared to be a loss of trees, officers commented that a scheme of landscaping and planting would be submitted to and approved by officers and that this would include the position of all trees.

RESOLVED that Planning Permission be granted subject to the Conditions as set out on pages 14 to 18 of the main agenda report; with Conditions 6 and 7 to be deleted for the reasons as detailed in the Committee Update.

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