Nine affordable flats at Former Prince Of Wales West Road, South Ockendon

What was proposed

The application proposed three three-bedroom flats, six two-bedroom flats, six parking spaces, bin and cycle stores, landscaping and associated works.

“PROPOSAL: Erection of three 3 bed flats and six 2 bed flats, bin and cycle stores, provision of 6 car parking spaces, landscaping and associated works…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme would provide affordable housing on a highly sustainable site, with detailed matters controlled by conditions.

“The application makes provision for new housing on a highly sustainable site. Significant weight is given to the provision of affordable housing and the presumption in favour of this sustainable development afforded by paragraph 79c of the NPPF. Matters of detail discussed in the report could be suitably covered by conditions. Planning permission is therefore recommended subject to conditions.”

“Grant planning permission subject to the following conditions…”

Officer report

Responses from consultees

Highways raised no objection subject to parking being provided, Environmental Health sought noise-related conditions, and Cadent Gas raised no objection with an informative.

“No objection, informative note required relating to gas infrastructure within the area of the development…”

“No Objections with condition requiring parking to be provided prior to occupation…”

Officer report

Parking concerns

One representation raised concern about the limited parking and its effect on Canterbury Parade residents without allocated spaces.

“One (1) letter of representation has been received expressing concern over the limited amount of parking provided and the impact on residents of Canterbury Parade who have no allocated spaces.”

“All of the responses have been taken into account in a consideration of the proposal and afforded weight in the planning balance. Officers are satisfied that permission should still be recommended taking these into account.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker gave a statement to the committee.

Members discussed parking

Members questioned parking capacity and resident-only spaces, while the Chair said parking needed addressing but was not a reason to refuse and other members welcomed the housing.

“The Chair expressed concern regarding the amount of car parking spaces for 9 flats. Adding that that there did not appear to be much space for overflow parking and queried how content officers were with this. Officers confirmed that Highways have assessed the site and there is evidence that the location is near a train station, amenities and other existing car parks.”

“Members queried how officers will ensure the 6 parking spaces are only for residents of the flats. Officers advised there is conditions within the application that include parking safeguarding mechanisms. Members were advised there are acute issues at the school, however a travel plan is in the process to alleviate some of the issues.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved authorisation for the Chief Planning Officer to grant permission subject to the report’s conditions.

“That the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of the report –”

Minutes