Agenda item

Demolition of the existing building, erection of ten dwellings, new access, parking and landscaping.

The committee considered application P16/S3709/FUL to demolish the existing building and erect ten dwellings, new access, parking and landscaping at Shakespeare House, Clapcot Way, Wallingford.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Lee Upcraft, a representative of Wallingford Town Council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         The town council fully supports the redevelopment of this site, but the current plans do not comply with the policy requirements of window to window distances;

·         Overlooking and an unacceptable loss of amenity to the residents of number 31 Clapcot Way;

·         There would be a risk to pedestrians in terms of as traffic flows would increase and parking would become more of an issue; and

·         Flipping the application would reduce the impact on everyone.

Ann and Lindon Shepherd, local residents, spoke objecting to the application. Their concerns included the following:

·         Overlooking of their garden will cause a significant loss of amenity and privacy;

·         Substandard window to window separation will cause overlooking;

·         Road safety is a concern, especially for school children;

·         Parking is already a problem; and

·         The impact of dust during demolition and construction is a major health concern.

Ken Dijksman, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application:

·         This application is on previously developed land and is in a sustainable location;

·         There is extant permission for seven homes on the site, which expires in April 2018;

·         The applicants have chosen to make the development 100% affordable;

·         Parking and access is satisfactory.  There are two parking spaces per house and two visitor spaces;

·         In response to overlooking concerns from neighbours, all new houses have an element of overlooking and this is a common relationship replicated close to the site; and

·         This scheme is acceptable so there is no need to flip or mirror the site.

Elaine Hornsby, one of the local ward councillors, spoke objecting to the application:

·         Communication between the applicant, SOHA, and Oxfordshire County Council has been negligent.  Better dialogue may have led to this not being at committee.

In response to points raised, the officer stated that the 25m window to window distances in the Design Guide refer to back to back distance, which is not applicable in this case.

The committee considered the application, with advice from officers where appropriate.

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant planning permission for application P16/S3709/FUL, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Commencement three years - full planning permission.

2.    Approved plans.

3.    Schedule of materials.

4.    Withdrawal of permitted development (Part 1 Class A) - no extensions etc.

5.    Withdrawal of permitted development (Part 1 Class E) - no buildings etc.

6.    New vehicular access.

7.    Close existing access.

8.    Vision splay dimensions.

9.    Roads and footpaths prior to occupation.

10.Plan of car parking provision (specified number of spaces).

11.Construction traffic management.

12.No surface water drainage to highway.

13.Surface water drainage works (details required).

14.Foul drainage works (details required).

15.Obscure glazing.