The Development Management Team Leader summarised his report to the meeting, including the relevant planning history of the site.

The Chair invited Mr Don Messenger of DP9, the agent for London Square to address the meeting.  Mr Messenger introduced the design and his client, London Square, an established developer committed to building this development, despite the current recession. 

The approach from the outset had been to align this scheme with local and national policy.  Working closely with the council and in consultation with residents via two local public exhibitions, achieving an overall attendance of over 600 people. 

He commented that affordable housing was a priority, but also a challenge for developers and the viability study had resulted in there being none in this development.  However, the developers had committed to make a commuted sum payment of £500,000 to the council to allow them to commission their own development of affordable housing. 

The Chair then invited Councillor Richard Smith, councillor for Leggatts ward, to address the committee. 

Councillor Smith explained that he had spoken with local residents and the developers, but felt that this was not the right scheme for this area, which really needed three-bed units.  He expressed surprise that there were no three bed units as he felt family style units would be appropriate, especially with a school nearby. 

He added that the overall height and the blocking of light, lack of communal areas coupled with the likelihood of traffic issues in an already busy area, made it an unsuitable development. 

The Chair commented that he felt the scale was resolved well, but that there was not the right mix of accommodation.

There followed a discussion where the committee expressed their disapproval about the lack of affordable housing within the application; the lack of space in the units for small families and the lack of car parking spaces.

The Development Management Team Leader commented that all units met the internal space standards and this was addressed in his report from paragraph 6.10 onwards.  Forty-six of the units were two bed, four person units.  Whilst the surrounding area was predominantly three bedroom houses with gardens, most young families could not afford such a property, but needed to start with a smaller apartment, such as was offered here. 

Councillor Bell expressed his opinion regarding the ‘huge size’ of the development. 

It was pointed out that the scheme was policy compliant, despite the high density of dwellings and lack of affordable housing.  Councillor Johnson expressed his concern that the developer had no requirement to agree to a late stage review. 

Councillor Sharpe commented that whilst he deplored the lack of affordable housing, the scheme was entirely policy compliant and therefore there were no grounds to refuse. 

Councillor Bell proposed a motion to refuse the application, based on the large scale of the building not matching the surrounding area. 

In accordance with Standing Committee Procedure Rules, paragraph 4.2, Councillor Peter Jeffree requested that it be recorded in the minutes how Members cast  ...  view the full minutes text for item 73