Agenda item

To consider and application for the erection of 49 no. affordable dwellings and associated infrastructure works including roads and footpaths, public open space, landscaping and drainage including a new pumping station (copy attached).

An application was submitted for the erection of 49 No. affordable dwellings and associated infrastructure works including roads and footpaths, public open space, landscaping and drainage including a new pumping station.

Public Speaker – Steve Grimster (Agent) - (For) – The application was for the erection of 49 affordable, energy efficient dwellings which were much needed in Bodelwyddan.

The dwellings would be managed by Adra Housing and would be made available for Social Housing and Intermediate Rent to local residents. The dwellings would comprise of 4 apartments and 3 bungalows capable of reaching the needs of a large percentage of the local population. The dwellings would be set within the Green Infrastructure Framework providing access to usable public open spaces and pedestrian routes to enable safety.

Throughout the planning process the scheme had been adapted to address as many consultees and residents’ comments as possible. There were policy requirements including design, open space, ecology and drainage which had informed the schemes design. The application was a balanced solution to each of the above matters and there were no objections from any statutory consultees.

Concerns had been raised regarding highways, flooding, drainage and education and all the concerns raised had been considered to ensure the development was safe, self-efficient and sustainable without causing harm to neighbouring residents and the environment. This included financial contributions to education and off-site play spaces.

Adra would delivery the scheme in 24 months and the dwellings would immediately address the affordable housing shortage in Bodelwyddan.

General Debate –

The Chair highlighted the concerns that had been raised regarding highways within the area and sought clarity from Officers.

The Principal Planning Officer stated discussions had taken place regarding highway issues on developments in Bodelwyddan previously which were no longer moving forward. The key strategic site previously was proposed for 1700 dwellings and the applications dealt with in the last few months had amounted to only 187 dwellings. The discussions around link roads which were required previously were related to a much larger proposal. Sewage works capacity on previous applications was also a concern and, on this application, sewage would be taken to Rhuddlan treatment works where there was capacity and this had been confirmed by Welsh Water.

Local Member Councillor Raj Metri welcomed the application stating that the application was for much needed housing in the area. 49 energy efficient homes would be created and very few residents had raised any concerns regarding the application. There were some concerns regarding the capacity of local amenities such as schools and GP surgeries however, these had been addressed by Officers.

Councillor Andrea Tomlin further highlighted the concerns regarding the capacity of schools and GP surgeries within the area and asked if the Council were corresponding with the Health Board to seek their views on applications within the area.

The Development Manager stated that some policies within the LDP required infrastructure contributions. These would normally be around the provision of affordable housing and open spaces and in some cases education provision. If there was an issue of impact from a development there would be a requirement for the developer to make financial contributions to try and improve the capacity, for example in schools. Liaising with the Health Board would be undertaken through the planning process under the LDP. A consultation process would have taken place with the relevant health bodies which would have given them the opportunity to contribute to any discussions taking place regarding the development at that time.

Councillor Delyth Jones questioned what the result would be if the capacity in schools was reached.

The Development Manager stated the Education Service were consulted when an application was received to consult on the extra capacity of a school within the area. Supplementary Planning Guidance was available to calculate the extra capacity needed in a school following on from the completion of a development. The Education Services welcomed the financial contributions form the developer in Bodelwyddan which would help with adaptations to the existing school.

Proposal – Councillor Raj Metri proposed that the application be GRANTED in accordance with Officer recommendations, SECONDED by Councillor Alan James.

Vote –

For – 16

Against – 2

Abstain – 0

RESOLVED: that the application be GRANTED in accordance with Officer recommendations