Nine affordable homes at Llanfawr Road, Holyhead

What was proposed

The application proposed nine social-rented affordable homes, including six bungalows, two semi-detached homes and one detached dwelling.

“Description: Outline application for the erection of 9 affordable dwellings which includes full details of access, appearance, layout and scale on land near…”

“The proposal is an outline application for the erection of 9 affordable dwellings (social rented) with the means of access to the site, appearance, scale and layout being considered as part of the current application. The proposal is for the erection of 6 number bungalows, one pair of two storey semi-detached…”

Officer report

The site

The site lies within Holyhead’s development boundary between Bryn Glas Road and Cae Braenar, surrounded by mixed single- and two-storey housing.

“The site is located within the development boundary of Holyhead and on land that has been allocated as open space within the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan. The site lies between Bryn Glas Road and Cae Braenar. The site is flanked by residential properties. There is a mixture of single storey and two storey properties in the immediate locality with no distinct pattern of development.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier outline application for six flats and seven houses on the land was withdrawn in 2017.

“19C1159 - Outline application with all matters reserved for the erection of a housing estate (6 flats, 7 houses) on land at - Llanfawr Road, Holyhead - Withdrawn 01/12/2017”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways and Welsh Water recommended conditional approval, the ecological adviser had no objection, and drainage comments required a sustainable drainage system.

“Consultee Response Swyddog Hawliau Tramwy Cyhoeddus/ Public Rights of Way Officer No response Iechyd yr Amgylchedd / Environmental Health Standard comments Gwasanaeth Addysg / Education Service Spaces available in local schools Strategol Tai / Housing Strategy Provided details of number of people on waiting list Ymgynghorydd Tirwedd / Landscape Advisor No response Polisi Cynllunio / Planning Policy Provided details of relevant policies Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural…”

“Priffyrdd a Trafnidiaeth / Highways and Transportation Recommended conditional approval Dwr Cymru/Welsh Water Recommended conditional approval Cynghorydd Pip O'neill Support - keen to see bungalows built in the area Cynghorydd Jeff M. Evans Call-in due to concerns of increase in traffic movements, drainage issues and ecological issues.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Representations raised highway safety, increased traffic, loss of open space and a footpath, drainage problems and possible effects on property prices.

“In response to the issues raised I would respond as follows; i. The Highway Authority have been consulted and raised no objection to the proposal following the receipt of an amended drawing illustrating the visibility splay. ii. Whilst it is acknowledged that the site is designated as a protected open space under Policy ISA 4 of the Anglesey and Gwynedd Joint Local Development Plan. The applicant proposes to improve the existing playing facilities on the neighbouring land.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An opponent described community use of the green space and concerns about safety and drainage, while the Town Council’s representative supported affordable housing and play-area investment.

Committee debate

Members debated the loss of playing space, alternative sites, traffic, drainage, footpaths, ecology and whether all nine homes could be secured as affordable.

“Planning Policy Wales indicates that all playfields should be protected from development. He noted that the concerns of the residents are increase traffic from the development, loss of open space, footpath that runs through the site, drainage issues, impact on the value of neighbouring properties together with the effect on ecology and biodiversity.”

“The Planning Development Manager responded that whilst accepting that half of the playing field will be taken there was a requirement in considering the need for affordable dwellings against the playing field facilities and there is justification to designate the site for development.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in line with the officer recommendation, subject to the planning conditions in the report.

“The Planning Development Manager responded that the Town Council are in discussion with the Housing Department and other Housing Associations and all the dwellings will be rented accommodation. Councillor Dafydd Roberts proposed that the application be approved in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation as the proposal complies with planning policies. Councillor Robin Williams seconded the proposal of approval.”

Minutes