Self-build houses at Land to South of Rectory Lane, Cradley

Who spoke

A local resident spoke in objection and the applicant spoke in support.

The local member's concerns

The local ward member said engagement with residents had been insufficient, cited the loss of allotments and a history of previous refusals, and questioned whether the houses were too large.

“In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the engagement between the applicant and local residents had not been sufficient and therefore a number of local objections remained to the proposal. It was understood that the proposed site would result in the loss of the allotments was which may not be a material consideration but would pose an adverse impact on the local community.”

Minutes

Design, trees and self-build status

Members said the size and design of the houses were in keeping with the area, asked which trees would be retained, questioned the self-build definition, and noted the parish council's objection.

“The committee debated the application. The following principal points were raised:”

“The size and scale of the houses were in-keeping with other properties in the area and the design of the buildings and the materials used would be sympathetic to the local area; • A query was raised regarding which trees would be retained on site; • The definition of the development as self build was queried; and • It was noted that the local parish council objected to the application.”

Minutes

Clarifications on trees and self-build

Officers confirmed a condition requiring an arboricultural assessment, and that the applicant's input into the design would meet the self-build definition.

“The development manager provided the following clarification:”

“Condition 5, proposed in the report, provided for an arboricultural impact assessment to be undertaken prior to the commencement of the development; • The applicant would have an input into the design of the houses which would comply with the definition of self build or custom build development.”

Minutes

Closing concerns on traffic and location

The local ward member closed the debate saying concerns about traffic and access persisted and questioning whether the development served the needs of the area.

“The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate. In summary, she explained that concerns regarding traffic and access to the site persisted. It was not felt that the proposed development served the needs of the people of Cradley and it was queried whether the proposed houses were in an appropriate location.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to approve the application in line with the officer's recommendation was carried by a simple majority.

“Councillor Dave Davies proposed and Councillor Peter Hamblin seconded a motion that the application be approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.”

“The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.”

Minutes

Permission granted

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions.

“That planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions and any other further conditions considered necessary by officers named in the scheme of delegation to officers:”

Minutes