Agenda item

To consider a report by the Head of Planning.

The Area Lead Planning Officer introduced the application to erect 40no affordable homes with associated internal access, parking, gardens and open space. (Reserved Matters application to determine scale, appearance and landscaping; following the grant of Outline Planning Permission No. 2/2018/0981/OUT). The application was before members as the property was owned by the Council.

 

Members were advised that although the Blandford Neighbourhood Plan had progressed, outline planning permission had already been granted for this site, therefore this would not be revisited.

 

The scale of development was 2 storey buildings which was in keeping with the area.

 

The key planning matters were highlighted:-

• Appearance, Scale and Landscaping
• Neighbour amenity; and
• Heritage impact

 

An additional condition had been added regarding the 4 trees in front of units 1,2,3 and 4 which was highlighted to members.

 

Members were advised that highway matters had been previously agreed in the outline permission.

 

A number of written responses were received and are attached as an

annexure to these minutes.

 

Local Member for Blandford

Cllr Byron Quayle was speaking on behalf of himself and Cllr Noc Lacey Clarke.

He urged members to vote against the application, as he felt the site was over developed and would substantially change the town forever. The retention of trees was fundamental to this area along with the Nordon building.  He was aware that outline permission for 40 dwellings had been given but felt that one-bedroom buildings would suit the area better. The original outline permission did not take into account the massive impact on traffic and his view did not address the needs of the town. He felt strongly that this was the wrong development.

 

The Chairman reminded members this was the final stage of this particular planning application. Matters of layout, demolition of the house, highways, access and the Section 106 Order had already been decided upon in 2018 and were not for discussion at this meeting. Members needed to focus on the appearance of the proposed units.  The Section 106 Agreement had already been determined and specified only the amount of affordable housing.  The Area Lead Planning Officer clarified the policy position in that just 30% was affordable. If there were attempts to try to secure any more in the Section 106, it could be taken out at a later date. Some providers did struggle to get more than 30% funding from Homes England.  It was noted that Aster was a registered housing provider. 

 

In response to some of the written representations, the Area Lead Planning Officer advised that the conservation area had not been ignored at the outline application.  He also highlighted the large outdoor area play area highlighted.  He also highlighted to members the group of trees that were being saved.

 

Members comments and questions

Cllr Jones asked if Aster would have leeway of putting some of the properties at full market value.  The Area Lead Planning Officer advised that the policy position was that officers could only secure 30% as affordable housing but had made an agreement with Aster for 100% affordable. If more than 30% was specified it could make it difficult for registered landlords to secure further funding from Homes England.  The Chairman added that she was confident that it was Aster’s intention to build affordable homes on this site as a registered housing provider. The Committee’s Solicitor confirmed that the Council could only seek to secure policy compliant levels.

 

Cllr Ridout asked in relation to Condition 4, the Landscape Management Plan, how long was long term in respect of maintenance timescales?  The Area Lead Planning Officer advised that he could liaise with the applicant to make it longer to say 20 years. It was also noted that the 4 trees that were being saved had been added to the Plan.

 

Cllr Taylor asked for clarification on the trees and the affordable homes aspect.  The Area Lead Planning Officer highlighted the matters that were able to be discussed today and reiterated that access and layout had already been decided. Matters of scale e.g. height and volume of the buildings was to be determined today. With regards to appearance, he had worked with the Conservation Officer to secure amended schemes which had been detailed in his earlier presentation. The Landscaping Officer had also been consulted.

 

Cllr Fry asked if a condition could be included to ensure 100% affordable homes.  The Area Planning Manager advised that placing such a condition would prohibit Aster being able to bring the scheme forward as 100% affordable.  Following a question about whether Historic England had made any comment on the scheme the Area Lead Planning Officer advised that no further comments had been received, they had just reiterated their disappointment in the original application.

 

Cllr Fry highlighted there was nothing about renewable energies mentioned in the report. The Area Lead Planning Officer advised that planning officers did not have the leverage to insist on matters such as solar panels, this was for the developer and building regulations to take forward.  Planning Officers do look for sustainable development and Blandford was a sustainable location to have this sort of development.

 

Cllr Andrews asked if a play area was deemed to be in a landscaping policy?  The Area Lead Planning Officer advised that was part of what already had been decided and he understood the area was aimed more towards smaller children.

 

Cllr Heatley was also disappointed nothing was included on the energy performance of the development. The Area Lead Planning Officer advised that the developer has to meet building regulations and planning officers were not able to push the standards issue beyond what building regulations stipulate.

 

Cllr Ridout  highlighted that members were looking for the best possible result and legacy for Blandford such as  traditional design, feature buildings and the retention of a significant number of trees and although she was disappointed there was not more play area being provided she felt this had been achieved and was happy to support the proposal with the amendments as had been highlighted. 

 

The Area Lead Planning Officer drew members attention to the update sheet which detailed some amendments to plan numbers.

 

Proposed  Cllr Belinda Ridout

Seconded  Cllr Brian Heatley

 

Decision

That the application be approved subject to the conditions, and the revised conditions as detailed in the update sheet both outlined in the appendix to these minutes.