Redevelopment of former fire station to provide 54 dwellings, including affordable housing, together with associated access, parking, public open space and landscaping (Amended Description).

The Executive Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the above application. An update report was tabled at the meeting which provided additional information about additional trees to be planted and clarification on pre-commencement conditions.  It also corrected a typographical error on the proposed completion deadline for the Section 106 agreement.

It was reported at the meeting that it was proposed that the heads of terms for the Section 106 agreement should include all six of the 3-bed affordable houses being delivered prior to occupation of the 11^th market dwelling, and the remaining ten affordable flats being delivered prior to occupation of the 26^th market dwelling.  It was also proposed that an additional condition should be added to secure the details of solar panels and the air source heat pumps.

Comments and objections were received and considered.

Objector Stuart Newton and Jo Unsworth, the applicant’s agent, attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this application.

Resolved –

(1)          That the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement by 24 August 2023 (unless a later date be agreed by the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services) to secure the Heads of Terms set out in the report, with the additional triggers regarding affordable housing as proposed at the meeting and set out above;

(2)          That, in the event of the requirements set out not being met, the Assistant Director of Planning, Transport and Public Protection Services be authorised to refuse permission;

(3)          That planning permission be subject to the conditions and informatives recommended in the original report, with the additional condition on solar panels and heat pumps proposed at the meeting and an additional informative requesting the developer to ensure that the residents of 26-36 Spey Road had temporary access to Leven Street through the back alley on the site for waste bin collection until completion of the development;

(4)          That the Construction Method Statement be agreed in consultation with Ward Councillors;

(5)          That the hard and soft landscaping details, particularly in relation to the boundary with Gairn Close, be agreed in consultation with Ward Councillors.