Minutes:
The consultation procedure undertaken was outlined in the report together with background information in respect of the site.
It was reported that since the publication of the agenda, one additional representation had been received which raised concerns over highway safety due to the addition of new driveways on Page Lane. Amended landscaping plans had been received and the Construction Management Plan had been updated to reflect observations made by the Highway Officer. It was also reported that the Environmental Health Officer confirmed that they had no objections to the proposed development based on the observations made in the report and the suggested conditions.
The Committee was addressed by Mr Lynch on behalf of Halton Housing Trust (HHT). He advised members that the project was a partnership between Russell Homes and HHT which was funded by the HCA. He stated that it was a brownfield site that was originally planned for retail development but no interested parties came forward. This development therefore provided an opportunity to redevelop a site which was currently an eyesore and would be neglected further otherwise. The proposal was to develop high quality homes which would transform the look and feel of the site.
Mr Lynch advised that the scheme itself would provide 175 new affordable homes consisting of semi-detached houses and flats which were near to the town centre. He said they would be of a high design quality with good open space landscaping which was well above the amount that was required according to planning policy. He advised that they had completed consultations with the local community and no objections had been received and the application also complied with all areas of planning policy.
Members discussed the application, in particular the location of the children’s play park within the scheme. It was confirmed that the play area would only be accessed through the estate roads and would be fenced all the way around preventing access to the surrounding roads. It was noted that the play area would be managed by HHT. The application was approved subject to the conditions listed below.
Resolved: That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:
1.
Time
Limit – Full Permission.
2.
Approved
plans.
3.
Implementation
in accordance with Proposed Site Levels (Policy BE1).
4.
Facing
Materials to be Agreed (Policies BE1 and BE2.
5.
Implementation
of Submitted Soft Landscaping Scheme and subsequent maintenance (Policy BE1).
6.
Implementation
of Submitted Boundary Treatments Scheme and subsequent maintenance (Policy
BE1).
7.
Breeding
Birds Protection – (Policy GE21).
8.
Implementation
of Open Space and LEAP – (Policy H3).
9.
Hours
of Construction – (Policy BE1).
10.
Implementation
of Construction Management Plan (Highways) – (Policy BE1).
11.
Restriction
of Hours of Use – Phase 3 land – Open Storage Use –
(Policy BE1).
12.
Provision
of Affordable Housing – (Policy CS13).
13.
Implementation
of Acoustic Fences – (Policy PR2).
14.
Ground
Contamination - (Policy PR14).
15.
Off
Site Highway Works – (Policy BE1).
16.
Provision
and Retention of Parking for Residential Development – (Policy BE1.)
17.
Highway
to be made good following connection works – (Policy BE1).
18.
Precise
Access Details to be submitted – (Policy BE1).
19.
Implementation
of Drainage Strategy – (Policy PR16).
20.
Biodiversity
Enhancements – (Policy GE21).
21.
The
requirement for a further Bat Survey if works not commenced within two years of
date of decision – (Policy GE21).