Five affordable homes at Tir Ger/land Adj. Maes Llwyd, Llanystumdwy

What was proposed

The application proposed five affordable detached homes, a new access road, parking, landscaping and drainage works.

“Proposal: To construct five affordable homes, including work to form internal access road, hard and soft landscaping and associated drainage provisions on land near Maes Llwyd, Llanystumdwy.”

“Description: This is a full application for the erection of five houses, creation of a new vehicular access, park- ing provision and associated work on land near Maes Llwyd, Llanystumdwy. The proposed houses would be detached and comprise of one two-bedroom dormer, three three-bedroom dor- mers and one three-bedroom dormer with a garage that can be adapted to a four-bedroom dwell- ing.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was outside but next to the development boundary, beside allotments and existing homes, and near listed buildings and a conservation area.

“The site is located to the south of existing allotments, that would be retained, and the gardens would back on to the A497 Class 1 Llanystumdwy bypass. The application site is located outside, but abutting, the Llanystumdwy development boundary, and adjacent to an estate of bungalows known as Maes Llwyd, to the east of the site. The 'Cyrion' dwelling lies to the north-west of the site.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

An earlier application to change agricultural land into allotments and a community garden was approved with conditions in 2020.

“Relevant Planning History: C20/0824/41/LL - Application for change of use of agricultural land to allotments and community garden - approved with conditions 24-12-2020”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers found a proven local need for intermediate affordable housing and considered the five-home extension suitable and policy-compliant.

“Policy TAI 16 (‘Exception Sites’) enables housing developments on sites that are outside, but abut the development boundary, however it must be ensured that the proposal complies effectively with the Policy requirement. The proposal is for 100% intermediate affordable housing in the form of part-ownership.”

“In accordance with the remaining requirements of this policy, it will be necessary initially to establish whether the site is suitable for a residential development of this type and scale. It is important to establish to this end that the site forms a logical extension to the settlement.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The community council supported the proposal, while consultees raised no objection or advised conditions covering ecology, drainage, noise, water and public protection.

“Turning to surface water drainage, as of 7th January 2019, this proposed development is subject to Schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010. The development therefore requires approval of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) features, in accordance with the 'Statutory standards for sustainable drainage systems – designing, constructing, operating and maintaining surface water drainage systems'.”

“Public Protection Unit: Due to the proximity of the site to residential dwellings, for the benefit of nearby residents, we recommend the following conditions/information: Construction Noise During clearance/demolition/construction no work (including vehicle and plant movements, deliveries, loading and unloading) shall take place outside the hours of 08:00 and 18:00 Mondays to Fridays and 08:00 to 13:00 Saturdays.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning trainee presented the application, and the local member spoke in support of the five-home scheme and its part-ownership approach.

What members discussed

Members heard that the scale matched local need, welcomed the part-ownership approach and considered five homes justified by the available housing information.

“The Officers recommended to approve the application with conditions. b) Taking advantage of the right to speak, the Local Member made the following observations: • He was supportive of the application for 5 houses • The scale was acceptable for the local need • There was an intention to submit part-ownership plans which was a plan that was worth being encouraged – welcomed this trial • Concern had been highlighted in the observations about the data which showed the demand…”

Minutes