Agenda item

Demolition of existing buildings and erection of thirteen affordable dwellings, with landscaping, parking and associated works.

The Majors & Environment Team Manager introduced the report to the Committee and explained it was an application for the erection of 13 new dwellings on the land of a former sheltered housing site. He drew attention to a few key points of the application which included:

• The proposed dwellings were a mix of 2 and 3 bed properties.
• The materials from the previous sheltered housing building would be reused in the new dwelling if possible, for example; the solar panels.
• There was a condition placed on the application for the materials to be approved pre-commencement.
• The frontages of each dwelling were stepped back.

The Majors & Environment Team Manager proposed to add a condition recommending that a waste minimisation plan is submitted and approved.

Councillor Cornell spoke as a ward member for Dursley in support of the application. She informed the Committee of the following points:

• The former sheltered housing site was deemed not fit for purpose in a review held in 2015. In June 2016 it was decided to keep the 4 bungalows and sell the site to the private market. In 2019 the arrangements on borrowing changed and allowed for SDC to keep the site and redevelop the site.
• One of the last places available to build Council homes in Dursley due to its close proximity with the Area Of Natural Beauty (AONB).
• Materials would be reused where possible.
• The dwellings proposed were small family houses which were in great need.
• The Town Council raised concerns over the colour and uniformity, requested a variation of colour within the plan which was agreed to be looked at. They had also raised concerns over the roofing material.
• Sustainable location.
• The nearby playground needed refurbishing as the new residents would want to utilise this.

Johnathan Headland spoke in support of the application as the agent. He explained the application was for 13 high quality affordable family homes. He further informed the Committee of the following considerations:

• A primary need for affordable 2 & 3 bed family homes had been identified in 2015/16.
• The dwellings had been designed around sustainability. The roof orientation faced the solar panels south for maximum efficiency.
• The houses would be heated with air source heat pumps which would also lower bills for future tenants.
• The proposed materials for the build offered a more sustainable approach to development.
• The alternative roof material offered significant benefits through reduced maintenance and environmental savings. It also had sealed edges which reduced the opportunity for leeks and was much lighter than conventional roofing.

Councillor Ryder asked for confirmation if the Officer was satisfied with the reverse turning points located at plot 1 & 13. The Majors & Environment Team Manager confirmed they had consulted with Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) Highways who were happy with the layout and that there was enough space for a vehicle to reverse out of all spaces. 

In response to questions, the Majors & Environment Team Manager confirmed:

• The proposal showed the solar panels to be included on the roof and there would be nothing preventing the entire roof to be filled, should the technical requirements allow it.
• The valleys between the roofs would capture debris and moss as most roofs do and would require a certain amount of maintenance however, the material used or the standing seam roofs are less likely to attract moss and other such things leading to an overall lower maintenance cost.

Councillor Brown proposed and Councillor Ryder seconded.

Councillor Patrick debated the use of colours that was agreed at an earlier planning meeting with the Town Council.

Councillor Schoemaker proposed an amendment to include a variety of different roof colours in the application.

Councillor Patrick Seconded

After being put to a vote, the amendment carried with 4 votes For, 1 vote Against and 3 Abstentions.

After being put to a vote, the Motion carried.