54 houses and 4 flats at Area RL Calderwood, East Calder

What was proposed

The application proposed 54 houses and four flats with associated works, reduced from the original proposal of 65 houses and four flats.

“Erection of 54 houses and 4 flats with associated works (as varied from 65 houses and 4 flats) at Area RL, Calderwood, East Calder…”

Officer report

Earlier applications and changes

The site formed part of the Calderwood housing allocation, and the proposal was revised after objections to its scale and access through existing housing.

“The initial proposal was for 65 houses and 4 flats, total 69 units, with a vehicular access from the existing shared surface road to west of 4 Abercromby Crescent. This proposal attracted substantial objection from existing residents at Abercromby Crescent and Anderson Crescent. Core to the objections was the number of units and resultant impact 2 DETAILS”

“The revised layout and design respects the well established masterplan design ethos of Calderwood, with shared surface road, greenways along the north and east site boundaries, pocket park and footpath links to Abercromby Cresent, Adam Drive, Overshiel Road and the B7015. Landscape planting will be provided along the B7015 in accordance with the Calderwood masterplan and there will be substantial hedge, tree and shrub planting within the site.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission because the proposal complied with the development plan, provided homes and affordable housing, and would protect residential amenity.

“The proposal will result in the development of an allocated greenfield site. It will provide needed private sale and affordable homes, thus assisting in meeting demand in a declared housing emergency. It will create a high quality residential environment at a sustainable location.”

“The proposal respects the Calderwood PPiP masterplan. The layout and design will compliment existing housing at Calderwood and the amenity of existing residents will be safeguarded.”

Officer report

Consultees’ views

Council services found the revised access, drainage, ecology, contamination and affordable housing arrangements acceptable, with requirements secured by conditions or obligations.

“Consultee Objection Comments Planning Response WLC Transportation No Revised layout is acceptable. Footway along B7015 to be increased in width to 2 metres and street lighting extended eastwards to roundabout. Pedestrian Requirements can be secured by planning conditions.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative for Cala Homes spoke in support, while a resident who had requested to speak was not present.

The committee’s debate

Members considered a motion to approve and an amendment to refuse because of alleged conflicts with climate, design and infrastructure policies.

“Motion To grant planning permission subject to the draft conditions attached to the committee report and developer contributions - Moved by Councillor Conn and seconded by Councillor Tony Boyle Amendment To refuse planning permission as the proposal did not accord with NPF4 policies 2 (Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation), 14 (Design, Quality and Place) and 18 (Infrastructure First) in that it was not a sustainable location; it did not comply with the six qualities of…”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to approve was successful by four votes to two.

“Motion Amendment Tony Boyle Harry Cartmill Tom Conn George Paul Willie Boyle Pauline Clark Decision Following a vote, the motion was successful by 4 votes to 2 and it was agreed accordingly.”

Minutes