We have put together some key questions and answers about the new council homes we are developing.
What is the planning policy in respect of parking for new and existing residents?
In general, the provision of parking spaces depends on where a site is, whether it is in a controlled parking zone and the accessibility and distance to public transport. We will be consulting with residents to propose alternatives as part the design process. We cannot offer a guaranteed parking space.
What are the proposals for bike and other storage in the proposal?
The council is currently installing new bike storage facilities on many of its residential sites. This will form part of the consultation discussions with residents.
Will there be the opportunity to improve the external landscaping?
Yes, where a new development is proposed the council will try and improve the existing landscaping in line with residents wishes.
Will any works be undertaken to existing properties during the construction period?
The council is hoping to carry out any planned improvements on estates at the same time as building new homes.
What are the proposals for the garage sites and do residents have security of tenure on these?
In many cases garages are now used for storage rather than the parking of cars. Whilst the council recognises that existing residents value their garage for storage purposes, the site is more valuable and important for providing desperately needed housing. We have responded to some residents requests for additional storage space, but this is limited according to their need. Where we can assist a resident we will always try to offer advice and support, depending on their individual needs. We will consider providing storage for items such as bikes as part of the consultation process when we discuss landscaping issues.
If objections are received will this prevent a planning application being successful?
Not necessarily, the council can only take relevant planning considerations into account. The number of objections received in itself is not a reason to refuse permission. Most planning applications involve balancing a number of competing priorities, so it may be that the benefits of a proposal outweigh any disadvantages, meaning that planning permission is granted.
What is considered as grounds for objection?
The grounds for objection relate to use of the land in the public interest. The most common matters to raise are overlooking, design, traffic and parking. The protection of purely private interests such as the impact on the value of a property, party wall matters and so on, are not relevant planning objections. Nor is disturbance during building works.
If an objection is received what must it contain before it will be referred for consideration by the council’s committee?
The objection would need to follow the planning guidelines (can we hyperlink to the page) that the council follows. The council can only take into account ‘material planning’ considerations such as siting of buildings, loss of facilities, loss of light or overshadowing, overlooking, loss of privacy, design, appearance and material, landscaping and road access. Representations must also give a name and an address, and be from someone who lives or works in the borough or immediately adjoining the borough.