Agenda item

To determine a full planning application from Bernicia Group for the development of a 32-unit residential scheme comprising of affordable housing at Castle Square, Backworth.  Formation of associated new vehicular access onto Killingworth Lane, improvements to the open space within the site boundary.

(Councillor W Samuel left the meeting during consideration of this item and did not return.)

The Committee considered a report from the planning officers, together with an addendum circulated prior to the meeting, in relation to a full planning application from Bernicia Group for a 32 unit residential scheme comprising of affordable housing at Castle Square, Backworth. Formation of associated new vehicular access onto Killingworth Lane, improvements to the open space within the site boundary.

A planning officer presented details of the application with the aid of various maps, plans and photographs.

In accordance with the Committee’s Temporary Speaking Rights Scheme a number of residents of Backworth had been granted permission to submit a written statement to the Committee. On behalf of the residents, Mr George Scott of Castle Square had prepared a statement and this was read out to the Committee. It stated that the proposed development would drastically reduce the available community and amenity space and result in the loss of much loved playing field space. The space was used by the community for a wide range of uses including sports, fun days and dog walking. Mr Scott explained how the proposals failed to comply with relevant planning policies relating to the:

a) loss of the green infrastructure network;

b) protection of woodland, trees and landscaping;

c) provision of local and accessible cultural and community activities; and

d) loss and replacement of playing fields.

The local ward councillor for Valley Ward, Councillor Brian Burdis had also been granted permission to submit a written statement. In the statement, which was read out to the Committee, Councillor Burdis objected to the proposed development because the well used grassed area to be lost was the only open green field in the area. It was a valuable asset not only for the residents of Castle Square but also for the residents of the new housing developments nearby. The proposals would not mitigate for the loss of mature wildlife habitat and species and increased traffic, noise and pollution would be inevitable.  The semi-rural character of the villages of West Allotment, Backworth and Shiremoor was to be lost forever because of the amount of development in the area.

Cundall Planning Consultants submitted a written response on behalf of the applicants, Bernicia Group. This was read to the Committee. It stated the site was in a well established residential area on previously developed land. The principle of development on the site had been deemed acceptable through the adoption of the local plan. A larger proportion of land would be retained as open space and the existing children’s play area would not be moved. The existing goal posts would be replaced with a new sports pitch and multi use games area. The site was of little ecological value. The proposed landscape scheme would provide biodiversity net gain. The transport impacts of 32 homes were minimal and the design and layout of the scheme would enhance the character of the area. 

Members of the Committee asked questions of officers and made comments. In doing so the Committee gave particular consideration to:

a)      the details of the trees to be removed from the site;

b)      the loss of allocated open space and the measures proposed to mitigate against its loss;

c)       the comments from Sport England on the loss of a sports pitch and the proposed terms of a Section 106 Agreement to secure a football pitch, multi-use games area or a contribution for appropriate mitigation works off site;

d)      the location of the nearest village amenities;

e)      the likely impact of the development on the local highway network; and

f)        the need for affordable homes.

Resolved that (1) the Committee is minded to grant the application subject to completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the conditions set out in the planning officers report, the addendum and the addition, omission or amendment of any other conditions considered necessary;

(2) the Head of Housing, Environment and Leisure be granted delegated authority to determine the application following the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the following:

- 100% affordable housing;

- £6,000 towards ecology and biodiversity;

- £2,700 towards allotments;

- £22,400 towards children’s equipped play;

- £87,500 towards Primary education;

- £7,000 towards employment and training (or 1 apprentice); and

- £5,681 towards coastal mitigation.

- Provision of one grass junior football pitch and one hard surfaced and

enclosed multi-use games area or a contribution for appropriate mitigation

works off site but in the area in the event that the required permissions are

not granted for facilities on the adjoining land.

(3) the Head of Law and Governance and the Head of Environment, Housing and Leisure be authorised to undertake all necessary procedures under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 to secure the following highways improvements:

Proposed accesses

Improved crossing on Killingworth Lane

Upgrade of footpaths abutting site

Upgrade of footpaths connecting to the site

Associated street lighting

Associated drainage

Associated road markings

Associated Traffic Regulation Orders

Associated street furniture & signage