Agenda item

The Committee considered

·  A report by the Development Manager on an application for planning permission at King Georges Road, Twerton, Bath

·  Oral statements by members of the public etc, the Speakers List being attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes

RESOLVED that, in accordance with their delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the Decisions List attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes

Proposed development site, King Georges Road, Twerton, Bath – Erection of 11 houses and 10 flats following the demolition of half an existing apartment building – The Team Leader – Development Management reported on this application and the recommendation to grant permission with conditions. He informed the meeting of revisions to the plans and contributions by the applicants to provision of open space, allotments, together with improvements to the highways under a S106 Agreement.

The Chair informed the meeting that the speaking time for public speakers on this application had been extended to 15 minutes which would give the objectors one and a half minutes each. The public speakers then made their statements. The Ward Councillor June Player made a statement on the proposal.

Members asked questions about the proposal for clarification to which the Officer responded. An earlier refusal of permission for development was discussed together with density, parking and highways issues and whether there was a badger sett on the site. The Transportation Planning Manager responded to queries on highways matters. Councillor Bryan Organ considered that there were various drawbacks to the proposal particularly the access and moved that the application be refused contrary to the Officer recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Martin Veal.

Members debated the motion. The need for affordable housing was appreciated but it was generally felt that this was overdevelopment with a poor access which would affect the residential amenity of occupiers of adjoining properties. Furthermore, there had not been an adequate assessment of pedestrian and vehicular movements in the area to demonstrate that there would be no detriment to highway and pedestrian safety, Councillor Bryan Organ reaffirmed his motion based on these reasons.

Members considered the reasons for refusal. A Member requested the Officers’ views on the reasons. It was stated by Officers that the road network could accommodate the development. The proposal was in a sustainable area of existing high density development. It would provide 100% affordable housing on unused land. The Council were not in a position to demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing as required under the NPPF. Good reasons were required to run contrary to the Officer’s recommendation. If the applicants decided to appeal against a refusal, there was a possibility that it would be successful and costs could be awarded against the Council. In response to a Member’s query about Policy CF8 in the Local Plan and this being an allotment site, the Team Leader – Development Management stated that this had been considered. Other allotment provision was available within 1000m of the site at Monksdale Road, Oldfield Park, to compensate for the loss of allotments and therefore it complied with this Policy. In response to another Member’s query on ecology issues, he stated that further survey work was required but that Condition 17 would cover issues of badgers and bats etc.

Members continued to discuss the proposal. It was considered that the scheme could be allowed if amended to reduce the density and improve the access. The Chair gave reasons why he would support the motion to refuse. The motion was then put to the vote. Voting: 10 in favour and 2 against with 1 abstention. Motion carried.