Agenda and minutes

You are welcome to use Welsh at the meeting a minimum notice period of 3 working days is required should you wish to do so.  A simultaneous translation will be provided if requested.

It was noted that no requests had been received for the simultaneous translation service

To receive.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor
D. Wilkshire and D. Hancock.

To consider any declarations of interest and dispensations made.

The following declaration of interests were raised:-

Councillor M. Day

Councillor C. Meredith

Item No. 4 - C/2021/0179 - Glanyrafon Court and adjacent grounds, Site of former sheltered housing at Allotment Road, Ebbw Vale, NP23 5NS - Construction of 15 residential dwellings with a new road, car parking, gardens, hard and soft landscaped areas

To consider the report of the Service Manager Development Services.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager Development Services.

The Service Manager Development Services reminded Members of the application which had been presented to the last meeting and advised that Members had requested a site meeting be arranged in order to address concerns around the loss of public open space. The Service Manager advised that a fact finding visited had been held and the area for development was clearly marked for Members information.

The Service Manager referred to the previous report and noted that the Planning Officer reported that there was a conflict with Policy DM13 in the Local Development Plan which sought to protect open space. However, although there was a conflict within that Policy it was felt that the benefits of the development outweighed the conflict with that policy as there was a need for social housing within the Borough.

The Service Manager showed the site with the use of visual aids in order for Members to see the extent of the layout of the proposed application and how it would encroach on the green space in additional to the footprint of the former development.

A Member referred to the land which would be used for the development. The Member explained that the area was a lovely open space surrounded by meadow and trees with a river running alongside and a mountain in the backdrop. The green space was such a quiet and peaceful place and the Member felt that this was not just a recreational area it was park that benefited residents over the years and therefore should be protected for future use.

The Member felt that Tai Calon had a significant piece of land for development which could be used for bungalows. There was a great need for bungalows in the Borough. The Member advised that there was not a shortage of brownfield sites within the Blaenau Gwent and he felt that it was not necessary to take this park land from residents who had visited this area for many years. The Member stated that such open spaces should be protected for the wellbeing of residents.

Another Member welcomed the fact finding meeting as the site was clearly laid out to see the proposed land to be developed. The Member had wished that residents could have seen the actual area for development as the Member felt that it would have addressed a lot of concerns. The Member felt that even with the development the site would remain a welcoming green space for residents.

Members concurred with the comments raised and welcomed the development as additional affordable housing was needed in the Borough.

A Member referred to the map displayed and the land beyond the boundary line of the proposed development and asked if something could be undertaken to protect this land from being further developed.

The Service Manager Development and Estates advised that there were ways in which the Local Planning Authority could exercise future control. It was reported that the Local Planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the report of the Planning Officer Development Management.

Consideration was given to the report of the Planning Officer Development Management.

The Planning Officer spoke to the report which had been presented to the last meeting. The Planning Officer reminded Members that the application had been deferred as the Applicant had stated whilst addressing Committee that the length of the extension was 3.5m and not 4.2m as outlined in the Officer’s report. However, it was confirmed that the 3.5m measurements was the internal measurements.

The Planning Officer also wished to point out an error in the report in relation to the projection of the development at the rear of the property which was 3.8m and not 4.2m as detailed in the report.

It was reported although the relevant information had been sought and clarified the officer’s recommendation remained unchanged that planning permission be refused.

A Member proposed that planning permission be granted. This proposal was seconded.

A vote was taken and 7 Member voted in favour of the amendment and 5 voted against, it was thereupon

RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED

To consider the report of the Service Manager Development and Estates.

Consideration was given to the report of the Service Manager – Development & Estates.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.

To consider the report of the Senior Business Support Officer.

Consideration was given to the report of the Senior Business Support Officer.

It was reported that SwffrydFach Farm Road access to Swffryd Fach, Abertillery (C/2021/0298) should read “prior approval not required” and not “pending” as outlined in the report.

The Committee noted the aforementioned amendment.

RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be noted.