Agenda item

To consider an application for erection of 61 no. dwellings, single and double garages, alterations to existing vehicular access and associated works at land off Meliden Road, Dyserth (copy attached).

An application for erection of 61 no. dwellings, single and double garages, alterations to existing vehicular access and associated works at land off Meliden Road, Dyserth.

Public Speaker –

Mr. S. Andrew (For) – explained the proposed development of part of the site allocated for housing in the Local Development Plan which included 10% affordable housing provision.  There were no adverse impacts of the development regarding visual and residential amenity with acceptable drainage and highway terms.  The proposed development was also in accord with the Site Development Brief.

General Debate – The Chair had received an email from Councillor David Williams (Local Member) who had met with the Highways Officer to discuss highway issues. Councillor Williams had also raised concerns about the Construction Management Plan which officers confirmed would be dealt with at a later stage in conjunction with the Local Member.

The Highways Officer directed members to the report which contained comprehensive information regarding highway issues and access to the site.  It was proposed to form a new access road onto the A547 Meliden Road with the existing pedestrianised and cycle link forming part of the access.  The existing 40mph speed limit would be moved by 40 metres north west of the proposed access and visibility splays would be provided in accordance with TAN18.  An Accumulative Transport Assessment had been carried out taking into account the proposed development along with other committed allocated and current planning applications in the area which showed sufficient spare capacity on the local highway network to accommodate the development.  Consequently officers did not consider there to be sufficient cause to refuse the application on highway grounds.

Councillor Peter Evans referred to the number of pending housing development sites nearby and recorded his concerns regarding the amount of traffic to be generated onto the A547 as a result, particularly given the congestion already experienced in Meliden at peak times.  As Lead Member for Highways, Councillor Brian Jones shared those concerns going forward and highlighted the need to keep the matter under close review to ensure sufficiency of the highway infrastructure given the anticipated increase in traffic arising from future housing developments.

In response to members’ further questions and comments officers advised that –

·         the application complied with Local Development Plan policies in terms of the provision of a mix of dwelling types on open market schemes

·         the comments of the AONB Joint Advisory Committee had been taken into account as part of the assessment process

·         a 30mph speed limit near the site entrance had been considered but the area had been assessed as a 40mph zone taking into account the development – if the situation changed the speed limit would be re-assessed

·         there may be a need to change the timings of the traffic lights to accommodate the development, which had been discussed with the Local Member

·         following consultation with Welsh Water it was confirmed that odour and noise were not considered an issue in this case.

Proposal – Councillor Tony Thomas proposed the officer recommendation to grant the application, seconded by Councillor Tina Jones.

VOTE:

GRANT – 18

REFUSE – 0

ABSTAIN – 0

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