Agenda item

To consider an application for Erection of 64 no. dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access and associated works (copy attached).

An application was submitted for the erection of 64 no. dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access and associated works at land between Old and New Ruthin Road, Denbigh.

Public Speaker –

Stuart Andrew (For) spoke on behalf McBride homes the applicant for the proposal and thanked the committee for the opportunity to speak for the construction of 64 dwellings on Ruthin Road, Denbigh. The site had an outline planning permission and a site development brief has been developed previously by the Council, the site was for residential development. The site would have a provision of affordable housing, and open green spaces in accordance with Council policies. With the proposed 64 dwellings 10% would be affordable dwellings, along with a financial contribution for the 0.4 of a dwelling to fulfil the 10% allocation. There would be half an acre of open green space available for public to use, and the maintenance programme for the open space would be agreed by the Council. There would also be a payment towards local schools of £75,000, there were no objections from the professional consultees, as there was no adverse impact on the amenities of existing buildings. 

General Debate –

Councillor Mark Young (Local Member) queried why the funding from the public spaces within the application had been reduced and the education contribution was increased. It was also raised that previous applications in the area highlighted the affect which would be caused on wildlife specifically hedgehogs and hedgerows.

Officers responded to the query by stating that the original sum for open spaces was reduced as the Council would not be maintaining the green open spaces therefore the amount was reduced. The reason the education contribution was increased was that the original assessment of need in schools was re-assessed in January and the amount was increased as there was an identified need. The ecological assessment of the site indicated that there would be no adverse impact on the ecology in the area.

In response Councillor Mark Young (Local Members) queried whether Denbighshire County Council had a policy where they maintained open spaces, officers responding that it was dependant on the site however on most occasions the Council would not maintain open spaces. There were many alternatives available to maintain green spaces. The education contribution would be payed directly to the education team. Referring back to the maintenance plan for the proposed development the committee were anxious that with previous applications, a maintenance plan was not determined which caused confusion for residents. Members queried whether for future applications that maintenance can be agreed within the planning process. Officers responded stating that maintenance plans of open green spaces with applications could be discussed in a future Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Members queried whether a Welsh language impact assessment had been carried out for the application. Responding officers informed the committee that the proposed development was within the LDP and there had been a Welsh language assessment carried out during the LDP process.

Members’ raised concerns with flooding in the area with the proposed development, members were informed that there had been no objections from professional bodies to the development.

Proposal – Councillor Merfyn Parry proposed the application be approved in accordance with officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Alan James.

VOTE:

GRANT – 10

REFUSE – 0

ABSTAIN – 2

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