The Committee stood for a minute’s silence in remembrance for Councillor Neil Weatherley, who was a member of this Committee and ward member for the Birtley ward, who sadly passed away on 12 December 2019 after a short illness.

The Committee is asked to approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held 27 November 2019 (copy previously circulated).

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Members to declare interests in any agenda items

There were no declarations of interest.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report seeking approval to authorise the variation of a section 106 agreement with regard to affordable provision at the Crawcrook North site, east of Crawcrook Lane, Crawcrook.

The applicant, Taylor Wimpey, has applied to the Council with a request to vary the requirements of the Section 106 Agreement for all of the Discounted Market Sale homes. It is proposed that these homes are changed to 2-bedroomed Shared Ownership and are held by a Registered provider of affordable housing. Shared ownership allows people to buy a share of their home and pay rent on the remainder. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) glossary defines Shared Ownership as a type of affordable housing.

There would be no change to the 18 affordable rent homes propose and therefore affordable homes tenure across the site would be:

·         10 Shared Ownership homes

·         18 Affordable Rent homes

The type of homes across the whole of the site, including the affordable housing, would be:

·         85 x 4 – bedroomed homes

·         71 x 3 – bedroomed homes

·         31 x 2 – bedroomed homes

Policy CS11 of the CSUSP requires (amongst other things); 60% of new private housing across the plan period being suitable for an attractive to families, with a minimum target of 16,000 new homes to have three of more bedrooms; and provision of 15% affordable homes on all developments of 15 or more dwellings.

Saved policy H5 of the UDP requires developments to offer a range of housing choices in terms of housing sizes and types.

The proposal would be in accordance with these policies. The total number of affordable homes across the site would remain as 28, which is 15% of the total number and over 60% of homes across the site would have three of more bedrooms. The proposal would still provide a good mix of housing sizes and types.

In conclusion, it is considered that the proposed variation from Discounted Market Sale homes to Shared Ownership homes is acceptable and in accordance with the Council’s relevant Development Plan policies. The varied type of housing (Shared Ownership) is also defined in the NPPF as a type of affordable housing.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report to inform them of the activity of the Enforcement Team since last Committee.

The team have received a total of 67 new complaints and have 63 pending prosecutions. He team attended 7 court hearings, 1 of which was finalised, resulting in £0 fines and £150 costs.

RESOLVED -              That the information be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

Consideration was given to a report that informed of the progress of enforcement action previously authorised by the Committee.

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report advising of new appeals against enforcement action received and to report the decisions of the Planning Inspectorate.

The Committee were advised that there had been one appeal received since an update was provided to committee.

The Committee were advised that there had been one appeal decision received since the last committee

RESOLVED -              That the information be noted

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee received a report providing details of new appeals received and outcomes of decisions received from the Secretary of State received during the report period.

The Committee were informed that there had been one new appeal lodged since the last committee.

The Committee were informed that there had been no new appeal decisions received since the last committee.

The Committee were informed that there had been no appeal cost decisions received since the last committee.

RESOLVED -              that the information be noted

Report of the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment

The Committee were advised that since last Committee there have been no new planning obligations.

The Committee were advised that since last Committee there have been no new payments received in respect of planning obligations.

RESOLVED -              That the information be noted.