Agenda item

The representative of the Service Manager – Development Manager made the following comments:

·        The application is for the erection of two dwellings; 2 storey houses each with basement; 3 bedrooms; 1 car parking spaces on land to the rear of an existing property.

·        Photographs and plans were shared with committee, providing details of how the development would sit in relationship to the gated lane and the main road.

·        The lane had been gated under the alley gating scheme lead by the local constabulary and neighbours.

·        28 public comments were received most related to access via the gated lane and parking.  As a result of the comments officers consulted with both Bristol City Council’s transport development management team and a Crime prevention Design Advisor from Avon & Somerset Police.  Neither authority raised any concerns with the revised application.

·         The revised application addressed the issue of transport and access and officers were now satisfied that all the required standards had been met, with appropriate arrangements in place.

·        Officers recommended the application is approved subject to conditions.

Councillors questions of clarification

·        Members had concerns about the number of public forum statements around the issue of access along the lane to the development and questions were asked to explore this aspect of the development. Officers advised that access falls outside the planning process and not a material consideration in deciding the application.

·        Officers clarified that although the application made mention of developing dwellings that would be affordable, the proposed dwellings would not meet the definition of affordable and because the development only provided 2 dwellings there was no planning policy requirement to offer any affordable housing.

·        Public forum objections came from residents living along the The Crescent, Lodway Rd, and Kensington Rd.  The lane is generally used by local people as pedestrian access to the sport facilities and a number of garages to rear of properties.

·        Further clarification was provided on the location of the refuge area, which would be located off the lane and not obstructing access.

·        The lane is a private lane and does not form part of the highway therefore any issues around the ally-gating scheme is outside the planning process, this includes maintenance which remains with those responsible for installation.

·        Officers were satisfied that the revised application provided adequate evidence about vehicle movement across and along the lane.

Councillor debate

·        Cllr M Davies noted that the application made good use of land and the revised plans were well intended.  He would support the application as it provided much needed housing.

·        Cllr H Bradley noted that there were good distances between residential properties and she was minded to support.

·        Cllr T Carey commented that he had concerns about access of construction vehicles to the site and possible limited ability to manoeuvre, along and to and from the site.

·        Cllr M Davies proposed approval and Cllr Bradley seconded.

Resolved: (9 for unanimously by those present) that the application contained in the report be approved subject to the conditions set out in the report.