Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the report and outlined the reasons for approval as detailed in the report.  Since the publication of the report the Highways Authority has responded to the consultation and has no objections to the development.

The following spoke under the public participation at meetings scheme:

·         Karen Shelly-Jones - Objector

·         Peter Masheder - Objector

·         Laura Mellstrom – Supporter – DDDC member for Youlgrave Ward

·         Andrew McCloy - Supporter

·         Anna Croasdell – Supporter – Community Land Trust (CLT)

Some Members had visited the site the previous day.

The following points were discussed:

·         Concerns were raised that this development is just one phase of a larger development.  Currently there are 21 empty properties in Youlgrave and a high number of holiday lets.

·         It was noted that since the council tax has doubled on second homes the number of them within Youlgrave has decreased by 10% in the last 6 months.

·         The vacant properties in the village do not provide the necessary affordable housing.

·         The current scheme has 8 units occupied by local young families.  There are core services in the village e.g. Doctors Surgery, school and nursery.

·         Concerns about overlooking of current properties were discussed.  Plots 1-5 have sufficient space so not to be over-bearing. Plots 6-9 do not have windows in the end gable and there is a landscaping buffer which is 4m wide which would be planted with wild-flowers and small shallow root trees.

·         It is considered that 17 parking spaces for 9 homes is sufficient parking. To provide additional parking would be to sacrifice the landscaping which softens the impact of the car-parking.

·         The benefits of the solar panels were discussed.

·         There would be a continuous hedge along the parking spaces with no gap.

·         Bin storage was considered and bin stores have been incorporated in the conditions and collection points discussed.

·         Members felt there was insufficient information provided regarding surveys and the impact on wildlife.

·         There was concern expressed regarding creeping development and future infill in neighbouring land. 

A motion to approve the application was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried.

RESOLVED:

That the application be APPROVED subject to prior entry into a S.106 planning obligation to secure affordable housing, the maintenance and management of open space and subject to the following conditions:

In accordance with specified approved amended plans:

1.     Statutory time limit for implementation

2.    In accordance with specified approved amended plans

3.    Submission, approval and implementation of Archaeological Written Scheme of Investigation

4.    Submission, approval and implementation of scheme to deal with ground contamination

5.    Stability assessment to be submitted and any necessary remedial measures to be agreed before the development commences.

6.    Submission, approval and implementation of surface and foul water drainage scheme

7.    Submission, approval and implementation of Construction Management Plan (to include details of noise/dust management and hours of operation)

8.    Submission, approval and implementation of method statement for amphibians and reptiles

9.    Submission, approval and implementation of site parking plan

11.  Submission, approval and implementation of finished ground and floor levels

14.  Submission, approval and implementation of detailed hard and soft landscaping scheme

15.  Submission, approval and implementation of secure bicycle parking and bin storage areas.

16.  Implementation of biodiversity gain plan. The biodiversity gain plan shall include additional enhancements to compensate for the loss of terrestrial habitat for GCN, other amphibians (such as common toad) and reptiles.

17.  Implementation of mitigation measures detailed in Section 6.2 of the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal