Agenda item

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions reported in the late observations, the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) and subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation to provide the following:-

a)         the provision of 16 No. affordable homes in accordance with an agreed letting policy

b)         Maintaining visibility over area of land on southern side of Halkyn Road (if Section 278 Agreement not entered into)

c)         Commuted sum for maintenance of play area/open space for a period of 10 years, upon its adoption by the Authority

If the obligation pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as outlined above) 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 were circulated at the meeting. 

            The officer detailed the background to the report and explained that the site had planning permission for 44 dwellings.  The site had now been sold to a new developer and this application for 45 dwellings amended the layout and house types on the site to smaller properties.  The site was allocated for residential dwellings in the UDP and all issues had been resolved during the consideration of the previous application.  It was reported that 16 of the plots would be affordable dwellings and would be managed by Wales & West Housing Association with the remaining dwellings being sold on the open market.  The officer explained that the issue of why an educational contribution had not been requested was detailed in paragraphs 7.23 to 7.26 of the report.  She added that a Section 106 Obligation would be requested for provision of affordable homes, maintaining visibility and a commuted sum for open space if the application was approved. 

            Mr. D. Ellis spoke against the application.  He spoke of the speed limit on the road and commented on Welsh Government guidance which asked Planning Authorities and Highways Departments to take the views of communities into account when considering planning applications.  He said that consultation had not taken place on either application and added that the amount of traffic in the area was unacceptable.  Mr. Ellis commented on the corner of the road which had not been altered and the failure to comply with the setting of local speed limits which he felt was not adequate.  He also suggested that the vehicles from the proposal would increase traffic in the area by 25%.            

            Councillor Gareth Roberts proposed the recommendation for approval which was duly seconded.  He said that the application was for a change of house types following the sale of the site to a new developer.  He spoke of the reduction in the speed limit on the road and the compliance by the applicant with the 90m visibility splay which he felt would make highway provision safer.  He felt that the change of house type provided a greater variety of dwellings and agreed with the request of Holywell Town Football Club for a two metre high fence along the boundary of the proposed site to keep the football ground secure.  The officer responded that this would be covered under condition 5 if the application was approved.   

            Councillor Richard Jones agreed that there was no reason to refuse the application and that the provision of a footway and the improvements to the landscaped bank opposite the site to achieve the required highways visibility would be beneficial to the area.      

            RESOLVED:

            That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions reported in the late observations, the conditions detailed in the report of the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) and subject to the applicant entering into a Section 106 Obligation to provide the following:-

a)         the provision of 16 No. affordable homes in accordance with an agreed letting policy

b)         Maintaining visibility over area of land on southern side of Halkyn Road (if Section 278 Agreement not entered into)

c)         Commuted sum for maintenance of play area/open space for a period of 10 years, upon its adoption by the Authority

If the obligation pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as outlined above) 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.