23 homes at Lands to the west of nos.16-22, 30 and 32 Millmount Village Crescent and lands 40m to the south nos.11-22 Millmount

“LA05/2023/0316/F – Erection of 23 dwellings (amended layout and house types previously approved under reference Y/2009/0303/RM), landscaping and all other associated site works on lands to the west of nos.16-22, 30 and 32 Millmount Village Crescent and lands 40m to the south nos.11-22 Millmount Village Way (Cont’d) applicant had no intention of following through with the installation of the traffic lights.”

“The Chair, Alderman J Tinsley, clarified with Alderman O Gawith, as seconder of the original proposal, if he would be happy with the amended wording of the condition to state that no dwellings should be occupied until the installation of traffic lights at the junction of Old Mill Meadows and the Upper Newtownards Road was complete. Alderman Gawith indicated he was content with this.”

“The Head of Planning and Capital Development clarified that the Council cannot pursue enforcement against the applicant while there was ongoing engagement between the applicant and DfI Roads, despite frustration at the length of time the process has taken.”

“At this stage, it was proposed by Councillor P Catney, seconded by Councillor D J Craig and agreed to go ‘into committee’ to consider this matter. Those members of the public and press in attendance left the meeting (11.02 am).”

“Members were provided with legal advice in respect of the matters raised by the Head of Planning & Capital Development, which were in response to Members’ reasoning for adding a condition to the approval of the planning application.”

“Alderman M Gregg advised that while in his opinion the traffic lights were necessary, on reflection a condition may not have been the best way to ensure that the junction upgrade is implemented. Alderman Gregg continued that given the junction in question was outside of the proposed area of development, an addition to the Section 76 Agreement was deemed to be a better fit. Alderman Gregg outlined his reasons for the need for the traffic lights, which were:”

“Alderman M Gregg made a new proposal to supersede his original. The new proposal gave delegated authority to Officers, to include wording to compel the applicant to provide the traffic lights at the junction of Old Mill Meadows and the Upper Newtownards Road before any dwellings are occupied, within the Section 76 agreement.”

“On a vote being taken, it was unanimously agreed to adopt the recommendation of the Planning Officer to approve this application with the addition of Alderman M Gregg’s amendment to include wording to compel the applicant to provide the traffic lights at the junction of Old Mill Meadows and the Upper Newtownards Road before any dwellings are occupied, in the Section 76 agreement.”