Agenda item

To consider an application for erection of 45 dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access, landscaping and associated works at Land at Midnant Farm, Gronant Road, Prestatyn (copy attached).

An application was submitted for the erection of 45 dwellings, construction of a new vehicular access, landscaping and associated works at Land at Midnant Farm Gronant Road Prestatyn.

Public Speaker –

Stuart Andrew (applicant) (for) - I'm the Design and Planning director at Castle Green Homes with the Applicant at submission for residential development at the allocated residential site at Midland Farm Gronant Road Prestatyn. The site was allocated for housing by the County from its LDP in 2013.

The allocation for the site was for 65 dwellings; However, this application was for only 45 homes, which we consider a more suitable number for this site in terms of the site and its density; 10% of the dwellings that would be built to be affordable by the Council's adopted policy.

The housing proposed includes a mix of two, three and four-bed properties, which the Council Strategic Housing and Policy Officer has accepted. The site is expected to have public open space of just over 1/3 of an acre, and the existing mature landscaping will be retained to separate the site from the surrounding housing to the West and around the site. The other boundaries would also be retained. In addition, financial contributions have been secured through a Section 106 agreement that has been agreed in principle with council officers, which includes around £68,000 for off-site affordable housing, around £45,000 for existing public open space areas and sports facilities, and £40,000 for local primary school education facilities. It was the second time this application has been presented, following a deferral in September due to a late consultation response from Welsh Water regarding concerns they had regarding the local final drainage capacity. However, this matter has now been resolved, and the development of this scheme will deliver a net benefit to the local foul drainage network, reducing the overall loading of the system. Welsh Water has removed the request for information planning conditions based on our application.

Other necessary statutory consultees and council officers have reviewed our proposals. There have been no technical objections to the approval of the scheme, and the council officers have concluded that the application meets all policy requirements and creates no adverse impact on the existing local visual or residential amenities. The report recommends that planning permission be granted, and we hope that you agree with this view. We appreciate your consideration.

General Debate –

Councillor Andrea Tomlin (local member) informed the committee the application had been out thoroughly assessed for roughly twelve months; there had been no local objection; however, some other concerns were raised, and these had all been addressed through the planning process. The main concerns were drainage, pavements, and roads; however, these issues could be addressed separately. Councillor Tomlin highlighted the wealth of local knowledge and urged the applicant to work as closely with the local community whilst developing as possible. Concerns were raised by the town council regarding the farmhouse, which was located at the site. However, following a review, the farmhouse has been found not to be of any structural or historical importance.

Councillor Gareth Sandilands echoed the importance of communication, which Councillor Tomlin had outlined; he suggested that photos be taken of the farmhouse and the surrounding area to ensure that people could remember what was at the site before any development.

Members raised whether the AONB had raised any concerns about the site. Responding officers clarified that the site wasn’t in the AONB.

Proposal – Councillor Andrea Tomlin proposed the application be granted in accordance with officer recommendations, seconded by Councillor Gareth Sandilands

Vote –

For – 19

Against – 0

Abstain – 0

RESOLVED that the planning application be GRANTED in accordance with officer recommendation.