Agenda item

Details of the layout, landscaping, layout and scale of the approved scheme for 60 dwelling.

The committee considered application P17/S0875/RM for the details of the layout, landscaping and scale of the approved scheme for 60 dwellings on land north of 12 Celsea Place, Cholsey (P15/0262/O).

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.

Officer updates:

Oxfordshire County Council Highways are satisfied with the amended plans and have no further comments. The Council’s Forestry Officer is also satisfied with the amended information regarding landscaping, subject to a couple of species of trees being changed. Four additional written representations have been received, one of which was circulated to members. These did not raise any new issues that have not already been summarised in the report.

Corrections to a couple of errors in the report: paragraph 2.2 states that 23 Affordable units will be provided. It should say 24 units. The report also states that the appeal was allowed prior to CIL being adopted and enforced. This is incorrect and the development will be CIL liable.

Mark Gray, a representative of Cholsey Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         Disappointed that the developers have not worked with the parish at the neighbourhood plan stage;

·         The existing site access is constrained as the neighbours don’t have driveways – can this be considered by SOHA to install them?

·         The open space adjacent to a main road is not ideal;

·         Disproportionate number of three-bedroom dwellings; and

·         Request that garages can’t be converted.

Anthony Hines, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         The landscaping buffer has been removed and replaced with tree planting, which could impact their amenity should species be inappropriate for urban gardens; and

·         Concern that root structures could potentially damage drainage and hedging plants.

Henry Venners, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application:

·         The access has been approved by Highways;

·         The inspector allowed the outline application at appeal;

·         The open space allocation more than meets guidelines and will be accessible to all due to the protected archaeological finds on site;

·         40% of the homes will be affordable and indistinguishable from other dwellings;

·         Officers recommended removing the 5m landscaping buffer and planting mix can be secured by condition;

·         The non-conversion of garages can be secured by condition; and

·         Drainage is off-site and the responsibility of Thames Water.

The committee considered the application with advice from officers where appropriate. They requested removal of permitted development rights to convert garages into residential and were advised that the landscaping condition request refers to an outline application condition.

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

RESOLVED: to grant reserved matters approval for application P17/S0875/RM, subject to the following conditions:

1.    Time limit.

2.    Development to be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.

3.    Removal of permitted development rights Class A (extensions).

4.    Removal of permitted development rights Class E (outbuildings).

5.    Removal of permitted development rights: Garages to habitable accommodation.