Agenda item

7.1  19C452F – Canada Gardens, Holyhead

7.1  19C452F – Full application for the erection of 15, 2 bedroom houses together with 10, 1 bedroom flats on land at Canada Gardens, Holyhead

The application was reported to the Planning and Orders Committee at the request of a Local Member.  At its meeting held on 7^th March, 2018 it was resolved to visit the site.  The site was subsequently visited on the 20^th March, 2018.

The Planning Development Manager reported that the planning application on this site was originally for 28 residential units, comprising of 16, 2 bedroomed houses and 12 1 bedroomed flats.  Following discussions with Officers the number of units was reduced to 25 with a new access to the development off Morrison Crescent.  She noted that the application was called in by a local member as regard to the concerns of local residents in respect of traffic management issues and overdevelopment within the area. 

The Officer referred to the planning history of the site and said that an outline application for residential development on site was refused at the end of 2008 but was permitted on appeal in November 2009 as the Planning Inspector, at the time, did not consider that highways issues was a factor in refusing the application.  The current proposal before this Committee does conform to design guidelines and the density of the site is considered suitable within the area. She noted that a planning approval already exists on the site for 18 dwellings but this proposed proposal is for an additional 7 dwellings on site. 

Consultation is at present taking place as to the financial contribution towards educational facilities at both Kingsland Primary School and Holyhead High School.  The developer has indicated his acceptance, in principle, that a contribution towards educational facilities in the area is expected but to date no exact sum has been agreed. 

The Planning Development Manager said that the recommendation is of approval of the application subject to the completion of a legal agreement that 10% of the development site be affordable dwellings and that details of the financial contribution towards educational facilities be agreed before release of any approval of the application.  

Councillor Shaun Redmond said that there is a dire need for housing in this area but local residents are concerned as to limited crossing points within the London Road area.  Residents from this development and other current properties need to cross into the Morawelon area to take children to the local primary school and to the Kingsland area.  Councillor Redmond questioned whether the Highways Authority can request further crossing point from the developer as there are very few to Morawelon area.  The Highways Officer responded that there has been no discussion with the developer as regard to the requirements for extra crossing points as part of the application as it is was considered that this development of 25 units will not create a substantial amount of pedestrian traffic that would merit a requirement for highway improvement in the area. 

Councillor K P Hughes said that he considered that the application be deferred as details of surface water drainage has not been addressed.  The Planning Development Manager responded that a condition is attached to any approval of the application as regard to the receipt of a scheme of surface water drainage, which includes highway drainage, and land drainage for the development.  There was no seconder to the proposal of deferment of the application.

Councillor John Griffith proposed that the application be approved and Councillor Robin Williams seconded the proposal. 

It was RESOLVED to approve that application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions contained within the report together with the completion of a legal agreement that 10% of the development be affordable and a financial contribution towards educational facilities (sum to be agreed).