Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

The Head of Service: Development Management and Building Control drew Members’ attention to a late update that had been circulated in relation to this application.  The Update advised that paragraph 5.11.1 of the report should be deleted as it did not reflect the Council’s current position in that the Local Plan Policies were not considered to be out of date and therefore the tilted balance was not engaged.

Following the Officer’s presentation, the Agent Mr Rowe addressed the Committee.

The Housing Development and Allocations Manager then provided Members with a detailed update regarding independent extra care living / older person’s housing advising of the work the Council had been undertaking with the Head of Extra Care at Essex County Council (ECC) and Housing Associations to get extra care into the District.  The Officer outlined some of the difficulties being faced by Housing Associations and concerns regarding running an extra care housing scheme.  It was confirmed that Officers supported this scheme and it was noted that the commuted sum offered would enable the Council to carry out other affordable housing projects across the District.

During the lengthy debate that followed Officers provided the Committee with further information relating to the scheme.

Councillor T Fittock proposed that the application be approved, subject to a change to the description to include affordable housing.  In response the Chairperson advised the Committee that there was already a proposal on the table which had been duly seconded. 

The Chairperson then withdrew his earlier proposition to accept the Officers’ recommendation of approval.

Councillor Fittock repeated his earlier proposals that the application be approved subject to a change to the description to include affordable housing and clarification regarding whether affordable housing was to be provided on-site or in the form of a commuted sum.  The Head of Service: Development Management and Building Control advised that the Committee could not unilaterally change the description of a development that had been applied for.  In response to further discussion the Principal Planning Officer provided reassurance that the Section 106 Agreement would ensure that affordable housing obligations were met before all of the market housing had been provided but the exact triggers had yet to be agreed.  The Head of Service – Housing and Community Safety gave assurance to the Committee that there was a Registered Provider who was in advance discussions with the developer to take on 20no. affordable units.

Councillor A S Fluker referred to comments from Officers and his understanding from this that the Council could agree the Officers’ recommendation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 437