Erection of 5 dwellings (including 2 affordable dwellings) together with creating a new access into the trunk road.
LOCAL MEMBER:
Councillor Ioan Thomas
Minutes:
Construction
of five houses (including two affordable houses) together with creating an
entrance to the trunk road.
Attention
was drawn to the additional observations that had been received.
a)
The
Development Control Manager elaborated on the background of the application,
noting that it was a full application to create five residential units on the
site of a former hotel to the north of the Caernarfon town centre, and opposite
the A487 trunk road. Following discussions with the developer, and in response
to neighbours' concerns, it was added that amended plans had been submitted
which included amendments to the external elevations and height of the houses,
and relocating number 5 to the rear of the site.
It
was confirmed that the designs were still accurate and the re-consultation
period on the amended plans was coming to an end on 23 March. It was reported
that no objections had been received from the statutory consultants, but that
local residents were objecting on the grounds of visual impact, highway safety,
parking matters, impact on the amenities of neighbours from overlooking and
creating a shadow.
In
terms of policy matters, it was explained that the site was a windfall site
within the Development Plan boundary. The principle of the development was
supported, along with the provision that two affordable units within a
development of five units was acceptable. It was added that amendments to the
design had allayed the initial concerns and that the design of the houses was
taking place appropriately without causing unacceptable harm to the amenities
of neighbours. It was noted that access and parking arrangements were
acceptable by the Transportation Unit and Welsh Government, and that the
application satisfied the relevant policy requirements and guidelines.
It
was highlighted that late observations had been received from the Local Member
where it was noted that the amendments satisfied the objections and that he was
in agreement with the recommendation, and that a 106 agreement should be
imposed on the affordable units.
b)
Taking
advantage of the right to speak, an objector noted the following points:
·
There
was a Preservation Order on a tree in the garden of Ynys Tudur
(her home)
·
Quote:
'if a proposal has been made for work to develop a site that needs planning
permission, every tree that has the potential to be affected should be assessed
by an expert in accordance with the national standard.'
·
An
expert assessment had not been completed and therefore she had measured it
herself
·
The
tree had a 5.5 radius canopy
·
The
tree roots would be damaged during the construction period unless this had
already happened as tractors had been on the site during the past months
c)
In response, the Senior Manager
highlighted that there was a condition in the report to attempt to safeguard
trees that have preservation orders on them, but that an assessment of what the
impact of the development would be on the trees that had an order was not
included. Although the tree under an order was on the site boundary, it was
suggested that the decision needed to be deferred in order to have an
opportunity to look at the issue in more detail.
ch) It was proposed
and seconded to defer the application.
RESOLVED to defer
the application in order to assess the impact of the development on the tree
with a preservation order.
Supporting documents: