22 dwellings at 48 London Road, Northgate, Crawley

Earlier planning applications

Earlier proposals for houses were withdrawn in 2011 and refused in 2014.

“CR/2011/0180/FUL - Erection of 5 x 2 bed two storey houses and 3 x 3 bed two & a half storey houses with associated access road and parking. Withdrawn.”

“CR/2012/0094/FUL – Erection of 4 x 2-bed two storey houses and 3 x 2 bed two & a half storey houses with associated access road and parking. Refused November 2014.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the scheme would provide housing, fit its surroundings, protect neighbours’ amenities and remain acceptable despite limited parking and heritage harm.

“The development of this site for residential purposes is acceptable in principle and the scheme would enable the delivery of much needed residential units in the area. Overall, the proposed development is considered acceptable in planning terms. Its scale, design and siting would integrate well with the surrounding built form, contributing positively to the character and appearance of the area.”

“The proposal is considered acceptable in highway terms. Adequate access, parking and manoeuvring arrangements have been demonstrated. Although there is a parking shortfall, this is partly mitigated by the sustainable location and sustainable travel options. Officers also consider that the shortfall is significantly outweighed by the provision of additional housing to meet Crawley’s needs.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Highways, drainage, environmental health, urban design and other consultees raised no objection subject to conditions, while the Listed Building Officer objected to harm to the listed building’s setting.

“WSCC Highways No objection subject to conditions 2. Thames Water No objection, informative suggested 3. Police No objection, informative suggested 4. CBC Drainage Officer No objection subject to conditions 5. CBC Planning Arboricultural Officer No objection 6. CBC Contaminated Land Officer No objection subject to conditions 7. CBC Environmental Health Officer No objection subject to conditions 8. Active Travel Crawley Support the proposal 9.”

Officer report

Residents’ objections

Two letters objected to overdevelopment, design, proximity to existing homes, overshadowing, loss of light and privacy.

“Two letters of objection have been received raising the following concerns:”

“Over development of the site • Modern design does not match the surrounding properties • Too close to existing houses • Cause overshadowing and loss of light • Loss of privacy from rear facing windows…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the application.

What members discussed

Members discussed whether objections had been addressed, the parking shortfall and the limited heritage harm to the listed building.

“A concern was raised regarding the proposed development’s shortfall of parking spaces. Officers highlighted that the site was in a sustainable location which was easily accessible by public transport, and parking surveys showed that on-street parking was often available, so the proposed parking provision was acceptable on this occasion.”

“Upon request the officer also provided guidance regarding the ‘less than substantial harm’, as identified by the Heritage Officer, that the proposed development was expected to have on the neighbouring listed building which was classified as a heritage asset. Officers had assessed the application and, on balance, it was considered that the…”

Minutes

The committee vote

The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana and seconded by Councillor LeTissier before the committee voted.

“The Committee then moved to a vote on the recommendation set out in the report. The recommendation was moved by Councillor Rana as the Chair and seconded by Councillor LeTissier as the Vice-Chair.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee permitted the development subject to completing a Section 106 agreement and complying with the report’s conditions.

“Permit subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement and the conditions set out in report PES/524c.”

Minutes

Key requirements

The permission required financial contributions, tree planting or contributions, affordable housing review, access, parking, drainage, biodiversity and other conditions.

“PERMIT subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure:”

“Employment and Skill contribution (£8,645) • Sustainable Transport Contribution (£2,132) • An affordable housing contribution (based on the Public Art contribution of 1% of build costs)(£33,166) • Open space (£72,600) • New and replacement tree planting and/or a financial contribution towards off-site provision, calculated using the formula set out in Policy DD4 of the Local Plan and the Green Infrastructure Supplementary Planning Document • Travel plan and monitoring fee…”

Officer report