Agenda item

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Head of Planning including the amendment to condition 14 for the 1.8m high close boarded fence to the erected at the rear and side of the existing properties.

The Committee considered the report of the Head of Planning in respect of this application.  The usual consultations had been undertaken and the responses received detailed in the report.

The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the site was 1.5 hectares with the new building being constructed on 0.3 hectares.  The car park area was also to be re-sited to the rear of the existing school.  It was felt that there would be no adverse impact on Linden Avenue.  It was reported that the proposal would involve the siting of the building and associated external play areas on land which was initially established as a nature area for use in connection with the school to the rear of properties at Linden Court. 

Ms. G. Bolt spoke against the application.  She said that she was not against the Flying Start building but was concerned about the security of her property, her lack of privacy and the extra traffic that would be created.  The application proposed the provision of a 1.8m high close boarded fence to the rear of the existing properties and Ms. Bolt queried whether this could continue along the side of her dwelling.    

            Councillor Paul Shotton welcomed the construction of the building for the Flying Start service but raised concern about the loss of privacy and amenity for existing residents.  He felt that the concerns could be addressed by the continuation of the fence.  He had been advised that key trees would be retained and that the planting of additional trees would be undertaken.  He also raised concern about possible conflict between pedestrians and vehicles using the access to the site due to the increased amount of traffic.  Councillor Shotton, having earlier declared an interest in the application, left the meeting prior to the debate.  

            Councillor Ian Dunbar proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He welcomed the application and the provision of the Flying Start service for pre-school children and sought assurance that the conditions would be met.  Councillor Christine Jones said that it was a fantastic scheme which had been funded by Welsh Government.  Councillor Richard Jones said that it was important to protect the privacy of existing residents and proposed an amendment to condition 14 to include the boarded fence to the rear and side of the existing properties.  The amendment was duly seconded. 

            In response to the comments made, the officer said that the formation of the new pedestrian link would alleviate the conflict between vehicles and pedestrians.  He said that the proposal was only for fencing to the rear of the existing properties but that if Members felt that this was a fundamental point, then the condition could be changed to take account of the amendment. 

            In summing up, Councillor Dunbar said that the traffic would increase due to the establishment of the Flying Start service and that this would have an effect on the privacy of the residents.  He felt that it was important that the suggested amendment to condition 14 be included. 

            On being put to the vote, the proposal to amend condition 14 for the provision of the 1.8m close boarded fence to the rear and side of the existing properties was CARRIED.  This then became the substantive motion and on being put to the vote was also CARRIED.         

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions detailed in the report of the Head of Planning including the amendment to condition 14 for the 1.8m high close boarded fence to the erected at the rear and side of the existing properties.