Agenda and minutes

It was noted that an apology for absence was received from Councillor Ken Harrington. Councillor Philip Irwin attended as a Substitute for Councillor Ken Harrington.

The Chair invited those who wished to do so to declare interests in respect of items on the agenda.

RESOLVED:-

That the minutes of the Planning Committee held on 11 May 2022, be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

(Update on Viability) Demolition of existing Hearnden Court.

Development of 57 Extra Care flats plus communal flats, landscaping and parking

Recommendation: Grant

The Committee considered an application for the demolition of existing Hearnden Court. Development of 57 Extra Care flats plus communal spaces, landscaping and parking at Hearnden Court, Henshaw Road, Wellingborough.

The Senior Development Management Officer presented the report which detailed the proposal, description of the site, the planning history, relevant planning policies, outcome of consultations and an assessment of the proposal, providing full and comprehensive details.

The Committee Update Report included a recommendation by the Council’s independent viability assessor, who recommended a viability review mechanism in accordance with paragraph 9 of the National Planning Policy Guidance, should be included in any Section 106 Agreement.

The Committee considered the planning application report and noted additional information in the Committee Update Report.

It was further recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a Section 106 Legal Agreement and the conditions set out at the end of the annexed original report (Committee Report – Agenda Item 4) or any further extension agreed in writing between the applicant and NNC and the conditions set out at the end of the annexed original report (Committee Report – Agenda Item 4).

That should the Section 106 legal agreement not be completed by 31 January 2023 or any further extension agreed in writing between the applicant and NNC that it be delegated to the (Interim) Principal Planning Manager to refuse planning permission.

The Chair then invited the Committee to determine the application.

During the debate, a Member asked for clarity in relation to elements of affordable housing and shared ownership which was clarified by the Senior Development Management Officer. The same member was concerned that the flats could be sold off in the future and would like to see them protected against that happening, so they remain as Extra Care flats.

In response, the Senior Development Management Officer advised there are clauses within Section 106 Legal Agreements that deal with this. She added that the rented units are held in perpetuity but the shared ownership units could be sold back but there would be clauses within the legal agreement.

The legal adviser confirmed that a condition could be added to control this, restricting that the accommodation be used by over 55’s or younger if the person had a disability and needed extra care. The Section 106 Legal Agreement would control affordable housing provisions.

It was noted that the Ward in the report was incorrect and should be amended to show Brickhill and Queensway Ward not Swanspool Ward.

A query was raised if a viability assessment was required. In response, the Senior Development Management Officer, advised that even for 100% affordable housing and Section 106 financial contributions towards mitigating any deficiencies in existing community facilities, such as a doctors surgery, a viability assessment still needs to be provided even if a planning application is for 100% affordable housing.

It was proposed by Councillor Paul Bell and seconded by Councillor Jonathan Ekins that planning permission be granted with the additional condition restricting the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Part two storey and part single storey rear extension and single storey front extension

Recommendation: Grant

The Committee considered an application for part two storey and part single storey rear extension and single storey front extension at 5 Ryeburn Way, Wellingborough.

The Senior Development Management Officer presented the report which detailed the proposal, description of the site, the planning history, relevant planning policies, outcome of consultations and an assessment of the proposal, providing full and comprehensive details.

The Committee considered the planning application report.

It was recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Chair then invited the Committee to determine the application.

It was proposed by Councillor Jonathan Ekins and seconded by Councillor King Lawal that planning permission be granted.

On being put to the vote, the motion for approval was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED:-

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions (and reasons) numbered 1 to 4 in the report.

The change of use from Use Class E(g) Office to Use Class F1(f) Public Worship

Recommendation: Grant

The Committee considered an application for the change of use from Use Class E(g) Office, to Use Class F1(f) Public Worship at 2 – 4 Meadow Close, Wellingborough.

The Senior Development Management Officer presented the report which detailed the proposal, description of the site, the planning history, relevant planning policies, outcome of consultations and an assessment of the proposal, providing full and comprehensive details.

The Committee considered the planning application report.

It was recommended that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Chair then invited the Committee to determine the application.

It was proposed by Councillor Jonathan Ekins and seconded by Councillor King Lawal that planning permission be granted.

On being put to the vote, the motion for approval was unanimously carried.

RESOLVED:-

That planning permission be granted subject to the conditions (and reasons) numbered 1 to 4 in the report.

RESOLVED:-

That the Appeal Information be noted.