Issue - meetings

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

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 highlighted the main considerations which were reported in paragraph 1.02.  He drew attention to the late observations where an extra condition had been requested by Highways.    

            Councillor Dave Cox proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He welcomed the proposal which was a part of the Masterplan for the major development of Flint and fully supported the application for the provision of the extra care and elderly support scheme.  Councillor Christine Jones also welcomed the scheme which was positive for elderly people. 

            In referring to consultations, Councillor Mike Peers commented that Flint Town Council had not submitted a response to the scheme.  He also queried where bins for the 72 apartments would be stored as the issue of refuse and recycling was not reported.  Councillor Chris Bithell welcomed the development of the site for the third extra care facility in Flintshire.  He was pleased that archaeological investigations had taken place and that a further programme of works was to be submitted and agreed before any other works were undertaken.  He thanked the officer for the considerations on this issue.

            Councillor Veronica Gay felt that 24 car parking spaces was inadequate and even though it was reported that residents could use the town centre car parks, she raised concern at this suggestion because car parking charges were to be introduced.  Councillor Carol Ellis also welcomed the proposal which would enable elderly people to maintain their independence and reduce the need for them to enter a nursing home.  On the issue of parking, she stated that when she had visited the two other extra care facilities, there had been sufficient parking for residents, staff and visitors.  She added that some residents in the facilities were not able to drive.  On the issue of waste, she explained that waste was collected in a communal area where it was collected by the refuse lorries and would therefore not result in 72 individual bins for the apartments. 

            In response to the comments made, the officer explained that 24 parking spaces was fully compliant with the Council’s policies and he reiterated the closeness of the facility to the town centre.  He confirmed that the waste was collected from a central area and was not a kerbside collection.  He added that no development should commence until an archaeological investigation scheme had been submitted and agreed. 

            In summing up, Councillor Cox indicated that Flint Town Council were fully supportive of the proposal.     

            RESOLVED:

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