Application number: 20/P1463

Ward: Raynes Park

Recommendation: Grant planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a s106 unilateral undertaking to secure:

1.    5 of the 8 new units are to be parking permit free residential units.

2.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of reviewing [including legal fees] the unilateral undertaking.

3.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of monitoring the unilateral undertaking.

RESOLVED that application number 20/P1463 be GRANTED planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a S106 unilateral

undertaking to secure:

1.    5 of the 8 new units are to be parking permit free residential units.

2.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of reviewing [including legal fees] the unilateral undertaking.

3.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of monitoring the unilateral undertaking.

Proposal: Demolition of existing two detached dwellings and replacement with two x three storey building (with lower ground floor) providing three houses and five flats, alongside associated landscaping.

The Committee noted the report and presentation of the Planning officer, and the modifications contained in the supplementary agenda.

Two local residents had registered to speak, and at the invitation of the Chair raised a number of points including the following:

·         The design was overly dense

·         There was no precedent for a block of flats in the close, and it was inconsistent with the character of the local area

·         There were only slight modifications to the previous site applications which were refused

·         The council should consider the quality of homes being proposed on the sight, including rooms without direct sunlight.

Due to technical issues, the Committee asked questions and debated the proposal before the applicant’s agent could exercise his right to reply.

In response to questions from the Committee, the planning officer confirmed that all habitable rooms in the proposal had windows, and light wells were positioned in the front part of the buildings. The planning officer also confirmed that the proposal met the GIA floor space standards.

During the debate, it was proposed that the application should be refused on grounds of bulk and massing.

The applicant’s agent exercised his right to reply to registered speakers and raised a number of points including:

·         The applicant had consulted with the planning officers to ensure that the proposal’s contemporary design would not be obtrusive or have a negative impact on the landscape.

·         All the room sizes and floor space met the minimum requirements

·         The developer had entered into a S106 agreement to limit parking spaces and permits.

·         The proposal included ample cycle storage

·         This was sufficient use of the brownfield site by creating high quality development without harming the current amenities and would contribute towards the council’s housing target.

Having considered the proposal, the Committee:

RESOLVED that application number 20/P1463 be GRANTED planning permission subject to conditions and the completion of a S106 unilateral

undertaking to secure:

1.    5 of the 8 new units are to be parking permit free residential units.

2.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of reviewing [including legal fees] the unilateral undertaking.

3.    The developer agreeing to meet the council’s costs of monitoring the unilateral undertaking.