Agenda item

The following items will be considered at 11am:

1.  23/04136/RES - 37 Coombend, Radstock

2.  24/01160/FUL - 11 Richmond Road, Bath

The Committee considered:

1.  A report and update report by the Head of Planning on the applications under the main applications list.

2.  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the main applications decisions list attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

1.  23/04136/RES - 37 Coomb End, Radstock

The Planning Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the approval of reserved matters with regard to outline application 20/03800/OUT (proposed demolition of existing buildings, change of use of land to residential and erection of 5 dwellings). 

She confirmed the officers’ recommendation that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

Cllr Lesley Mansell was unable to attend as ward member and a statement was read on her behalf summarised as below:

1.  She thanked the Committee for visiting the site and reiterated her support for Radstock Town Council’s objection to the application.

2.  The original application was for 7 x 2 bed dwellings and the latest application was for 6 in total (1 x 4 bed and 5 x 3 bed).  The reduction would not help meet housing targets in the areaand it is not clear how these larger dwellings will be affordable to local people.

3.  In the past there had been a collapse of the land due to water drainage from Bath New Road and this needed to be taken into account.

4.  A previous application for a petrol station at Coombend was refused on the basis that it would block the view from Clandown to Radstock and this would be the case with this application.

5.  There was a need to develop the infrastructure, and this was not included as part of the application.

6.  There was a need for an improved pedestrian access and a concern about an increase in parking on the highway.

In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed:

1.  The principle of development was agreed at outline stage including the number of dwellings and access.

2.  The Traffic Regulation Order to restrict parking in the nearby area was still ongoing.  In terms of parking on site, this was in accordance with adopted standards.

3.  Unit 2 had two associated parking spaces. 

4.  An application for 10 houses was the trigger point for affordable housing.

5.  A watching brief for archaeology could not be included at the reserved matters stage. 

Cllr Eleanor Jackson confirmed that the application in relation to the petrol station at Coombend which was referred to in the local member’s statement had now been approved.

Cllr Tim Warren stressed the need for housing and that he was satisfied the flooding issue had been satisfactorily addressed.  He moved the officers’ recommendation to permit the application.  This was seconded by Cllr Toby Simon who stated that it would make a good use of the site, and the design would fit in with the surrounding area. 

Cllr Lucy Hodge recognised concerns about the lack of affordable housing but noted that the application was for less than 10 houses and was policy compliant.

On being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED (10 in favour and 0 against - unanimous).

RESOLVED that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

2.  24/01160/FUL - 11 Richmond Road, Bath

This application was withdrawn from the agenda and would be considered at the next meeting.