Agenda item

To consider an application for erection of 38 dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access, provision of open space and associated works at land adjoining The Old Rectory, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin (copy attached).

An application was submitted for the erection of 38 dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access, provision of open space and associated works at land adjoining The Old Rectory, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Ruthin.

Public Speakers –

Mr. B. Barton (Against) – submitted the report was misleading given that the area allocated for public open space was outside the village development boundary; disputed the sufficiency of the proposed commuted sum payable to equip the proposed play area to the rear of St. Peter’s Church for which there was currently no access, and sought deferment of the application.

Mr. P. Lloyd (For) – highlighted the acute need for affordable housing and merits of the application in providing a high quality, sustainable development.  The scheme had been subject to extensive discussions and various designs prior to this stage.  There was no conflict with the Local Development Plan including delivery of the public open space element which was linked to the site with a commuted sum offer.

General Debate – The Planning Officer (PG) clarified that the housing element was contained within the allocated boundary but the site for public open space was located outside of the boundary.  If the number of dwellings was reduced to allow for additional on-site open space there was a risk that the scheme would not come forward.  On that basis and given there was no development beyond the development boundary, an agreement had been reached with regard to open space provision and there was no conflict with the open space policies of the Local Development Plan.  The commuted sum payable had been calculated by the Council and provided a contribution towards the cost of an equipped play area for which other allocated sites within the community could also be making contributions to ensure its delivery.

Councillor Huw Williams (Local Member) spoke in favour of the development which would help to ensure that the village continued to thrive by meeting local needs and bolstering the local school and economy.  He also supported the proposal for a play area to be located to the rear of St. Peter’s Church which would provide a link to the centre of the village and the issue of access was currently being addressed.

Members welcomed the provision of affordable housing in order to meet local needs which was a corporate priority and would also help meet national targets.  The positive impact in terms of future sustainability and benefits to the area was also acknowledged.  In response to a request from Councillor Merfyn Parry relating to condition no. 5 and highway visibility, officers advised that this element would be considered as part of the Construction Method Statement and they would ensure that access to the highway was made safe at an early stage.

Proposal – Councillor Mark Young proposed the officer recommendation to grant the application, seconded by Councillor Bob Murray.

VOTE:

GRANT – 19

REFUSE – 0

ABSTAIN – 0

RESOLVED that permission be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendations as detailed within the report and supplementary papers.