Issue - decisions

The Committee resolved:-

To refuse the application.  Due to a failure to provide an appropriate mix of dwelling types and sizes, specifically the lack of dwelling houses versus flats, the proposal would be contrary to Policy H4 (Housing Mix).

The excessive density and number of flats proposed on the site is contrary to Policy H3 (Density) in that it does not have adequate consideration of the site’s characteristics and those of the surrounding area or create an attractive residential environment and safeguard living conditions within the development;

The lack of parking provision to be provided on site when compared to the Councils Transport and Accessibility Supplementary Guidance would exacerbate existing on-street parking to the detriment of safety and residential amenity, contrary to Policy T2 (Managing the Transport Impact of Development).

It was agreed that the application be refused for the following reasons:-

(1)  That the proposed construction methodology as set out in supporting documents and plans together with the protection measures to be implemented does not provide certainty that the proposal would preserve the fabric of the listed wall and gazebo to Bieldside House. This does therefore not accord with Policy D4 – Historic Environment in the  Aberdeen Local Development Plan 2017.

(2)  That the parking of vehicles to pump concrete from North Deeside Road would result in a road traffic and pedestrian safety hazard.

Application granted and a willingness to approve subject to securing a legal agreement to deliver developer obligations and subject to conditions, which would:-

1.       specify that all flats will be for social rent only and for no other affordable or other housing tenure or type;

2.       a noise impact assessment and implementation of its recommendations,

3.       landscaping plan including proposal for access to underpass as well as planting/landscaping designed to mitigate the impact of the scheme on adjoining residents; and

4.       other conditions relating to boundary treatment, implementation of SUDS, car parking, cycle storage, contamination, external materials and micro-renewable energy measures / water saving technology

Reason - the proposal would result in the removal of a derelict brownfield site that is detrimental to the amenity of the neighbourhood and the provision of much needed affordable housing. It is not is considered to be detrimental to the amenity or privacy of neighbouring residents whilst providing adequate amenity for new residents. With this in mind, subject to suitable conditions, the proposal is considered on balance to be compliant with Policy H1 of the adopted Local Development and there are material considerations that outweigh the provisions of policies D1, D2 and NE3 of the adopted Local Development.