Issue - meetings

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

The Service Manager Development and Estates referred to late correspondence related to the application and summarised the information received since the report had been written. The Service Manager noted the response to the correspondence and advised that having viewed the video it was felt that the lorry the driver’s actions were in accordance with the Highways Code. The Service Manager also noted an email sent to all Members of the Committee from Shaws and that a copy of the correspondence from Asbri was appended to the report.

The Service Manager Development and Estates advised that at the February Meeting of the Planning Committee Members considered a report for the development of a new residential facility at Maes Y Dderwen. The development would provide a new 5 bedroom supported living unit and it was reported that the officer recommendation was that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. This was based on the fact that the proposal was for a residential use in a predominantly residential area, that there were no substantive matters raised by consultees that could not be addressed by planning condition and that the facility would make a valuable contribution to meeting the needs of a particular client group. However, following consideration and a lengthy debate the Planning Committee resolved that planning permission be refused.

The Service Manager further spoke to the report and outlined the key points to be considered when determining the reasons for refusal. The Members of the Planning Committee was reminded that the Council had been the subject to costs in recent times for refusing planning permission where the Planning Committee had been unable to defend the decision made. These significant costs for appeals had increased and there was no budget to meet this additional expenditure.

The Service Manager referred Members to the reasons for refusal and invited them to endorse, add/amend or withdraw the reasons for refusal accordingly.

The refusals raised at the last meeting as well as officer comments were outlined as follows:-

Reason for Refusal 1

The proposed development would give rise to major highway concern as it would generate additional demand for parking spaces for which there was insufficient capacity within the site and surrounding area. This would lead to on street parking associated with the development to the detriment of highway safety.

Officer Comment

Highway matters are a material planning consideration. However, in this case the Highway Authority have confirmed that subject to the 3 new spaces being constructed prior the occupation of the building, they have no objection to the scheme. The development complies with our parking guidelines.

There was therefore no evidence to suggest that the car generating aspects of the proposal cannot be accommodated within the site.

Reason for Refusal 2

The site was not suitable for a home for vulnerable clients with support needs as the site was adjacent to a public house.

Officer Comment

Evidence was required to explain why  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5