Issue - meetings

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.  Additional comments received since the preparation of the report were circulated at the meeting. 

                        The officer detailed the background to the report and drew Members’ attention to the reference in the first page of the report and in paragraph 2.02 to a Section 106 agreement which was not referred to in the body of the report.  It was not possible to attach a Section 106 agreement to the conditions as the site was owned by Flintshire County Council and could therefore not enter into an agreement with itself.  The issues that would normally be covered by an agreement were included as conditions 17 and 18.  The officer explained that the site was the first to be delivered as part of the Council’s Strategic Housing and Regeneration Programme (SHARP).           

            Councillor Derek Butler proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He referred to the late observations and queried why the figure of £733 was to be sought for upgrading the nearby play area facilities rather than the £1,100 suggested by the Public Open Spaces Manager.  Councillor Ian Dunbar welcomed the proposal and said that the SHARP project had been long awaited.  He commented on the condition relating to the removal of the zebra crossing and he felt that the footpath had been well designed. 

Councillor Chris Bithell felt that the proposal would help the Council meet its need for affordable housing in the county and enable the land to be utilised and put to good use. 

            In response to the query from Councillor Butler, the officer advised that the usual amount requested for contributions to public open space was £1100 per dwelling for market value but for affordable dwellings, this was reduced to £733 per dwelling. 

            The Planning Strategy Manager felt that the Council should be proud of the scheme and said that it was worth noting that this was the start of an exciting programme of work. 

            In summing up, Councillor Butler also referred to the set-up of a training academy as part of the SHARP programme.               

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment).