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 applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation/Unilateral Undertaking to provide the following:-

• Ensure the payment of a contribution of £5499 to the Council in lieu of on-site play and recreation provision.  Such sum to be paid to the Council prior to the occupation of any dwelling hereby approved and to be used to upgrade existing facilities within the community play area at Croes Atti Lane, Oakenholt.

If the obligation pursuant to Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 is not completed within six months of the date of the committee resolution, the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) be given delegated authority to REFUSE the application. 

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 along with an amendment to paragraph 2.01 were circulated at the meeting. 

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the main issues for consideration included the impact on the conversion of the character of the building, design and amenity considerations and ecological impacts.  As part of the consultation exercise, the Local Member, Councillor Rita Johnson, had commented that the proposals would result in adverse impacts upon highway safety but the officer advised that no objections had been received from the Highways Authority.  There were bats in the church but it was proposed that the installation of bat boxes within the fabric of the church would allow the continued use of the building as a roost.  Approval of the application would also include a Section 106 obligation for £5499 in lieu of on-site play and recreation provision and the officer drew Members’ attention to the late observations where the details of the play area were provided. 

            Councillor Chris Bithell proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He said that the building was a feature of Oakenholt and had many architectural features.  The proposals would retain the character of the building which he welcomed and the report highlighted the historical aspect of the area.  Councillor Bithell also welcomed the Archaeological Watching brief which was included as a condition if the application was approved and he added that the proposal made good use of the building without demolishing it. 

            In response to a query from Councillor Richard Jones about the retention of the gate pillars on the site, the officer confirmed that this would be covered by the agreement of the Schedule of Works for the existing walls referred to in condition 5.    

            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 applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation/Unilateral Undertaking to provide the following:-

• Ensure the payment of a contribution of £5499 to the Council in lieu of on-site play and recreation provision.  Such sum to be paid to the Council prior to the occupation of any dwelling hereby approved and to be used to upgrade existing facilities within the community play area at Croes Atti Lane, Oakenholt.

If the obligation pursuant to Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 is not completed within six months of the date of the committee resolution, the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) be given delegated authority to REFUSE the application.