Planning Applications Index
North Lanarkshire Council · 2 March 2023
Back to Planning Committee — 2 March 2023 and its agenda
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North Lanarkshire Council Planning Applications for consideration of Planning Committee Committee Date: 02-03-2023 Ordnance Survey maps reproduced from Ordnance Survey with permission of HMSO Crown Copyright reserved
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APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING COMMITTEE 2nd March 2023 Page No Application No Applicant Development/Site Recommendation 22/00296/MSC Mr W.D.&R.T. Hill Construction of 401 Houses and ancillary infrastructure: MSC application for development at Wemysshill North in respect of conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 22 of permission ref: 20/01468/S42 (Residential Development & Associated Uses, including Community Uses and Retail) Wemysshill Farm Castlehill Road Overtown ML2 0RU Grant
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Application No: 22/00296/MSC Proposed Development: Construction of 401 Houses and ancillary infrastructure: MSC application for development at Wemysshill North in respect of conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 22 of permission ref: 20/01468/S42 (Residential Development & Associated Uses, including Community Uses and Retail) Site Address: Wemysshill Farm Castlehill Road Overtown ML2 0RU Date Registered: 16th March 2022 Applicant: Mr W.D.&R.T. Hill C/o HolderPlanning Ltd 139 Comiston Road Edinburgh EH10 5QN Agent: Holder Planning Ltd 139 Comiston Road Edinburgh EH10 5QN Application Level: Local Application Contrary to Development Plan: No Ward: 21 Wishaw Bob Burgess,Fiona Fotheringham,Jim Hume,Frank McKay, Representations: 11 letter(s) of representation received. Recommendation: Approve Subject to Conditions Reasoned Justification: The principle of housing development on the site is well established through the grant of planning permission in June 2018 (15/01634/PPP) and subsequent approval of planning permission in January 2021 (20/01468/S42) and, through allocation of the site for housing in the Development Plan. All reserved matters have been assessed in the context of material changes to development plan policy and subject to conditions, the application is not considered to raise any conflicts with the North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan, NPF4 and/or other material considerations.
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Reproduced by permission of the Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright and database right 2009. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence number 100023396. Planning Application: 22/00296/MSC Name (of applicant): Mr W.D.&R.T. Hill Site Address: Wemysshill Farm Castlehill Road Overtown North Lanarkshire ML2 0RU Development: Construction of 401 Houses and ancillary infrastructure: MSC application for development at Wemysshill North in respect of conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 22 of permission ref: 20/01468/S42 (Residential Development & Associated Uses, including Community Uses and Retail)
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Proposed Conditions:- 1. Plans and particulars of the matters listed below shall be submitted for consideration by the Planning Authority for each phase of the proposed development and no work shall begin on that phase until the written approval of the planning authority has been given: (a) details of the management and maintenance of all open space, landscaped and play areas identified and shaded on Drawing Nos 598-01-01c and 598-01-01D; 598.01.11D, 598.01.12D; 598.01.13D; 598.01.14D; 598.01.15D; 598.01.16D; 598.01.17D; 598.01.18D; 598.01.19D; 598.01.20D; 598.01.21D; 598.01.50; 598.01.10E; 598.01.15E ; 598-01-10F ; 598-01-11E ; 598-01-12E; 598-01- 13E; 598-01-14E; 598-01-15E; 598-01-18E and; 598-01-50A. (b) details of play equipment. Reason: To ensure provision is made for the long-term management and maintenance of all open space, landscaped and play areas. 2. Further details of fencing and boundary treatment between the residential units hereby approved in the southeast corner of the development and adjoining housing in Trows Road (Nos. 1-43), Orchard Street (Nos. 46 and 61) and Belmont Street (Nos 26-31), together with existing and proposed site levels and cross sections, shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for approval before the development commences. Reason: To protect the amenities of neighbouring occupiers and prospective occupiers of the development. 3. The area identified as Area D in the JWH Ross Mining Stability Investigation Report dated 27/08/13 as being at risk from shallow coal workings shall not be developed and fencing shall be erected around the shaft areas shown on Drawing No. 598/01.51a dated January 2022 prior to the first occupation of the development and shall be retained in situ and in good order for the lifetime of the development. Reason: To ensure all matters relating to coal mining risk are adequately addressed. 4. Windows of an upgraded acoustic specification of the indicative sound reduction performance as shown in the far right-hand column of Table 1 Indicative Sound Reduction Performance, together with ventilators of an acoustic specification providing not less than the equivalent indicative sound reduction performance shall be provided within the living areas of each of the plots shown in Table 1. 5. An acoustic barrier of 2.25m height constructed in brick with minimum surface density of 10kg per square metre shall be provided at the locations shown in Figures 4 and 5 of the Vibrock letter report dated 6th May 2022 and referenced R22.11100/RK/Let3/2. Details of landscaping and planting to screen the acoustic barrier, together with materials and elevations shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for approval prior to the commencement of the development. Reason: To protect the amenities of prospective occupiers of the development whilst ensuring that the acoustic barriers are of a satisfactory standard of external appearance and do not detract from the development. 6. A validation report to demonstrate that the noise mitigation measures, detailed in Condition 4 and 5 above, have been implemented within the development shall be submitted to the Planning Authority prior to the first occupancy of the dwelling houses. This shall be signed off by a suitable qualified noise specialist. Reason: To protect the amenities of prospective occupiers of the development. 7. No development shall take place on open space and landscaped areas shaded on Drawing Nos. 598-01-01c and 598-01-01D; 598.01.11D, 598.01.12D; 598.01.13D; 598.01.14D; 598.01.15D; 598.01.16D; 598.01.17D; 598.01.18D; 598.01.19D; 598.01.20D; 598.01.21D; 598.01.50; 598.01.10E;
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598.01.15E ; 598-01-10F ; 598-01-11E ; 598-01-12E; 598-01-13E; 598-01-14E; 598-01-15E; 598-01- 18E and; 598-01-50A. For the avoidance of doubt, this shall include all green verges, green corridors and green spaces within the development footprint and all areas outside the development footprint annotated on Landscape Strategy Drawing Nos 598-01-01c and 598-01-01D as open space, parkland, linear park, maintained grass, natural grassland, wetland meadow, woodland, green routes, grass verges, buffer zone, hedgerow, proposed trees and paths. These areas shall be retained permanently for the purpose of providing informal recreation, biodiversity and/or visual amenity and for no other purpose. Reason: To protect the nature conservation interests of the SINC and LNR and to protect the setting of the development and surrounding landscape character. 8. No development shall take place until the applicant has secured the implementation of a staged programme of archaeological work in accordance with a written scheme of investigation which has been submitted to, and agreed in writing by, the planning authority. Reason: To enable the planning authority to consider these aspects in detail. 9. Before works of any description within any phase of development begin, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority, a comprehensive site investigation report for that phase of development shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. The investigation must be carried out in accordance with current best practice advice, such as BS 10175: 'The Investigation of Potentially Contaminated Sites' or CLR 11. The report must include a site-specific risk assessment of all relevant pollution linkages and a conceptual site model. Depending on the results of the investigation, a detailed remediation strategy may be required and the remediation strategy if required shall be submitted sequentially for each individual phase of development for approval by the Planning Authority Reason: To establish whether site decontamination is required in the interests of the amenity and wellbeing of future users of the site. 10. Any remediation works identified by the relevant site investigation required by Condition 9, shall be carried out to the written satisfaction of the Planning Authority. Before each phase of the development is brought into use, a validation report (signed by a suitable qualified specialist in such matters) shall be submitted to the Planning Authority confirming that any remediation works required by relevant site investigation have been carried out in accordance with the terms of the remediation strategy for each phase of the development. Reason: To ensure that the site is free of contamination in the interests of the amenity and wellbeing of future users of the site. 11. Notwithstanding the terms of condition 10 above a final validation report (signed by a suitable qualified specialist in such matters) including all the validation reports approved for all the phases of the development shall be submitted to the planning authority confirming that all remediation works submitted and approved under the terms of condition 10 above have been completed. Reason: To ensure that the site is free of contamination in the interests of the amenity and wellbeing of future users of the site. 12. Prior to works of any description being commenced on each phase of development, unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Planning Authority, full details of the proposed surface water drainage scheme for that phase shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by the Planning Authority. For the avoidance of doubt the drainage scheme must comply with the principles of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) in terms of the relevant CIRIA Manual and other advice published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Reason: To ensure that the drainage scheme complies with best SUDS practice to protect adjacent watercourses and groundwater, and in the interests of the amenity and wellbeing of existing and future
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users adjacent to and within the development site respectively. 13. The SUDS-compliant surface water drainage scheme approved in terms of Condition 12 above shall be implemented contemporaneously with the development in so far as is reasonably practical. Within three months of construction of the SUDS, a certificate (signed by a chartered civil engineer) shall be submitted to the Planning Authority confirming that the SUDS have been constructed in accordance with the relevant CIRIA Manual and the approved plans. Reason: To safeguard any adjacent watercourses and groundwater from pollution and in the interests of the amenity and wellbeing of existing and future users. 14. Before any works start on site for any phase of development, the developer must confirm in writing to the Planning Authority that the foul drainage can be connected to the public sewer in accordance with the requirements of Scottish Water for that phase. The surface water must be treated in accordance with the principles of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems Manual for Scotland and Northern Ireland published by CIRIA in March 2000. Reason: To prevent groundwater or surface water contamination in the interests of environmental and amenity protection. 15. No trees within the application site shall be lopped, topped or felled and no hedges shall be removed from the application site, without the prior approval in writing of the planning authority. Reason: In the interests of the conservation value of the site and the visual amenity of the site and the adjacent residents. 16. If the development has not commenced on site within one year of previous surveys, updated bat, badger and breeding bird surveys shall be undertaken and submitted to the Planning Authority for approval in writing. For the avoidance of doubt the bat surveys shall include all buildings within the site prior to their demolition, and the badger survey shall include a protection plan for any badger setts that are identified. Using a modified common bird census methodology, breeding bird surveys shall consist of: • Three visits with each visit lasting between 3-4 hours; • Territories to be mapped and transect routes shown (this is to show that the observer is able to get within 50 metres of every part of the site); • Proposed mitigation, including a timetable for those works. Thereafter, once agreed, any required mitigation shall be implemented to the written satisfaction of the planning authority. Reason: To safeguard and protecting nature conservation interests. 17. The Habitat Management Plan and LNR/SINC Protection Plan hereby approved shall be implemented in full and in perpetuity prior to the construction and demolition phases. For the avoidance of doubt, the approved Plans shall incorporate all enhancement measures referred to in the JDC Ecology Updated Ecology and LNR/SINC, Barn Owl, Badger and Bat Protection Plans Version 6.1, dated November 2022. Reason: To ensure that the measures outlined in the approved Habitat Management Plan are carried out in accordance with the agreed scheme. 18. Notwithstanding the terms of condition 17 above the approved Habitat Management Plan shall make provision for the formation of a Habitat Management Group (HMG) to monitor implementation of the plan. The approved Habitat Management Plan as may be amended by the Habitat Management Group shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for review every 12 months from this initial approval unless agreed otherwise by the Planning Authority. Reason: To ensure that the approved Habitat Management Plan is carried out in accordance with the agreed scheme.
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19. Lighting design for both the construction and operational phases of the development shall be directed into the construction area and away from the SINC/LNR. The developer shall refer to the publication: Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK, Bats and the Built Environment Series, Guidance Note 08/18 (Bat Conservation Trust/Institute of Lighting Professionals) provides a guide for lighting selection. Reason: To minimise the impact on bats and other species. 20. Construction method statements (CMSs) shall be submitted for each phase of the development and the approved CMSs shall thereafter be adhered to for the duration of the works. The CMSs shall address potential impacts of all construction works on the surrounding environment and local population, and shall include a site construction environmental management plan and measures to control, and protect where appropriate: • Noise impact; • Dust Impact; • Light impact; • Air quality; • Odour; • Construction traffic; • Ecology, protected species and designated sites; • Watercourses and ground water, and, • Public access. Reason: To safeguard the amenity of the local environment and nearby communities. 21. Any retail floor space provided within the site shall be restricted to convenience retailing only and shall be of a scale that does not exceed the reasonable top-up convenience shopping requirements of residents of the approved development. Reason: To ensure that the type of retail development is appropriate to this out of centre location. 22. Each residential unit shall be provided with at least one electric vehicle charging point with a minimum rating of 7kW unless otherwise agreed by the Planning Authority. Reason: To facilitate the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles and minimise lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible in accordance with Climate mitigation and adaptation. 23. The development shall take place in accordance with the approved Phasing Strategy by Persimmon entitled Wemysshill/Castlehill, Wishaw Version 2, submitted on 20th January 2023 associated phasing plan (Drawing No. 2017-PL-013B) submitted on 10th November 2022 unless otherwise agreed in writing by the Planning Authority. Reason: To ensure adequate phasing of the development in the interests of proper planning of the site.
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Background Papers: Consultation Responses: NLC Greenspace / Pardeep Chand received 28th June 2022 and 31st August 2022 Archaeology Service received 19th April 2022 and 31 May 2022 Environmental Health (including Pollution Control) received 6th April 2022 and 19th May 2022 The Coal Authority received 14th April 2022, 12th July 2022 and 17th October 2022 Scottish Water received 11th May 2022 Strategy & Policy Team received 21st April 2022 Scottish Environment Protection Agency received 7th April 2022 Traffic & Transportation received 16th June and 25th November 2022 Contact Information: Any person wishing to inspect these documents should contact Ann McGregor at 01236 632500 Report Date: 17th February, 2023
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APPLICATION NO. 22/00296/MSC REPORT 1. Site Description 1.1 The current MSC application forms one of three conjoined applications submitted following approval of planning permission in principle for 601 residential units at Castlehill/Wemysshill granted at appeal on 13th June 2018 under Planning Reference 15/01634/PPP (‘the Approved Masterplan’). A subsequent application (Reference 20/01468/S42) was submitted under Section 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 and approved by Committee on 28 January 2021. The current application for 401 houses at Wemysshill, together with the application at Castlehill for 200 houses (Reference 22/00925/MSC) and application for road infrastructure works (22/00297/FUL) form the ‘Revised Masterplan’. 1.2 The application site lies south of Gowkthrapple and west of Overtown and slopes downwards towards the River Clyde, which is approximately 1 kilometre to the southwest. Wishaw Town Centre is approximately 1 kilometre to the north. The site, extending to some 40.50 hectares, forms the larger portion of housing allocation NLMW1179; a 69.4-hectare site designated for up to 601 residential units in the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan, adopted 6th July 2022. 1.3 The former agricultural use of the site has been abandoned in recent years and the site now consists of unused open fields, scrub, woodland and derelict farm buildings associated with the former Wemysshill Farm. 1.4 The northern boundary of the site is defined by the B754 Castlehill Road which provides a direct connection between Wishaw and Overtown, passing through Gowkthrapple en-route. Castlehill Road (north) is characterised by a mix of residential, community and educational uses, including, Clyde Valley High School Campus. The southern edge, southwest and southeast flanks of the site are enclosed to some degree by belts of woodland. Cambusnethan Woodland is situated to the southwest and borders the adjoining application site (Reference 22/00925/MSC). The woodland is of semi-natural origin and is a designated Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). One limb of the woodland is contained within the boundary of the adjoining MSC application for 200 houses (Reference 22/00295/MSC). Beyond the southern edge of the site, the landscape consists largely of open fields, scattered woodland, linear trees along the edge of the River Clyde and occasional small holdings and farm buildings. A residential estate lies immediately east of the site and features semi-detached and four-in-a-block properties, some of which share a common boundary with the proposed residential plots in the southeast corner of the site. An access road serving Cambusnethan Priory lies along the western boundary of the site and defines the western boundary of the adjoining application site (Reference 22/00295/MSC). 1.5 Currently, there are two vehicular access points off Castlehill Road; the first runs northeast/ southwest through the site and serves several dwellinghouses and rural businesses to the south of the site, connecting the site to the A71 Horsely Brae Road to the east. The second access consists of a shorter stretch of road which serves the now redundant Wemysshill Farm buildings. The farm buildings are currently unoccupied and in a poor state of repair. There are also several field gate access points along the northern, western and southern boundaries of the site. An existing access road leading from A71 Horsley Road to Castlehill Road is recognised as Core Path 331 in the Council’s Core Paths Plan. 2. Proposed Development 2.1 The current MSC application (Reference 22/00296/MSC) relates to a proposal for 401 residential units located within proposed Zones C and Zone B of the site as shown on the submitted Development Framework Drawing (20170) PL) 101A. The development consists of detached, semi-detached and terraced two storey houses in a range of styles. The accommodation mix includes 60 x 2 bed units, 77 x 2 bed units plus study, 107 x 3 bed units and 157 x 4 bed units. A schedule of accommodation has been submitted in support of the application and provides details of house typologies and accommodate mix. Two in-curtilage car parking spaces will be provided for each of the 2 bed units and 3 in-curtilage car parking spaces will be provided for each of the 3 and 4 bed units. A further 120 visitor car parking
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spaces will be provided within the site boundary. The application also proposes landscaping, tree planting, play and amenity open space, including parkland to the northeast, and a linear park incorporating a landscaped SuDs basin to the south. The total provision of open space across the Revised Masterplan site (22/00296/MSC and 22/00295/MSC) is approximately 47 hectares (436,005 sqm) of which 0.2 hectares (2105 sqm) will form dedicated active play space. A further area of 9.3 hectares (93305 sqm) will form communal open space area. 2.2 The application seeks approval of matters specified in the following conditions attached to Planning Reference 20/01468/S42: • Condition 1 (Siting, Design, Layout etc) • Condition 3 (Details of Junctions, Formal and Informal Play, Footpath/Cycle links, and a Site- wide Landscape Strategy) • Condition 4 (Phasing) • Condition 5 (Revised Transport Assessment) • Condition 6 (Existing and Proposed Site Levels) • Condition 7 (Updated Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment) • Condition 8 (Updated Geo-environmental Desk Assessment) • Condition 9 (Updated Noise Assessment) • Condition 10 (Landscape Plan and Landscape Strategy) • Condition 18 (Local Nature Reserve Protection Plan) • Condition 21 (Updated Bat, Badger and Breeding Birds Survey) and • Condition 22 (Habitat Management Plan). 2.3 Approval is also sought for the removal of Condition 25 (Retention of all existing buildings at Wemysshill Farm) to enable demolition of the redundant farm buildings on site which have been subjected to vandalism over the years and are now in a poor state of repair. 2.4 Related applications (22/00295/MSC and 22/00297/FUL) were approved under delegated powers. Planning permission 22/00295/MSC for 200 residential units located within Zone B of the Approved Masterplan site as shown on the submitted Development Framework Drawing (20170) PL) 101A, sought the discharge of Conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 22. Planning Permission 22/00297/FUL sought permission for road infrastructure works, including provision of two roundabouts off Castlehill Road. 3. Applicant’s Supporting Information 3.1 The current MSC application is accompanied by the following supporting information: • Condition 1 - An updated Design and Access Statement and drawings showing: layout and external appearance of all buildings; boundary fencing and walling; means of access to the site; internal roads, footways, informal foot paths, cycle paths, hard and soft landscaping (including, existing and proposed trees, shrubs and hedgerows); surface drainage including, SUDS; car and cycle parking areas; existing and proposed site levels; details of play areas commensurate with the scale of the proposed development; the design of all rear boundary walls and fences. • Conditions 3 and 10 - Landscape Strategy, details of the roundabouts and junctions on Castlehill Road, Formal and Informal Play and Amenity Open Space Strategy. • Condition 4 - Phasing Plan for residential, retail, community, new roads and junctions, foot/cycle path links and associated landscaping. • Condition 5 -Updated Transport Assessment, Transport Phasing Assessment, Technical Note examining traffic flow data; Layout of proposed Castlehill Access Roundabouts; Overton Cross proposed junction layout; Netherton Cross proposed junction layout; Travel Plan and; Castlehill Road Bus Stop Measures. • Condition 7 - Supplementary Report to the Updated Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment. • Condition 8 - Mining Stability Investigation dated August 2013, Supplementary Mining Constraints Plan, Drainage Plan and Short Report by Wardell Armstrong dated 28 September 2022.
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• Condition 9 - Noise Impact Assessment dated 6 August 2021 and Noise Prediction Modelling and Mitigation Plan to Reflect Amended Site Layout dated 6 May 2022 • Condition 11 - Archaeology Desk Based Assessment and Written Scheme of Investigation (May 2022). • Conditions 1 (g) and (h) and Condition16 - SuDs Surface Water Drainage, Proposed Foul Water Drainage and Existing Combined Sewer Plans. • Condition 18 - Local Nature Reserve/ SINC Protection Plan; Barn Owl Protection Plan and; Badger and Bat Protection Plan dated November 2022. • Condition 21 - Updated habitat management plan for the Cambusnethan Woods SINC. • Condition 25 - Photographic evidence of dilapidated Wemysshill farm buildings. 4. Site History 4.1 Planning permission in principle for residential development and associated uses, including community uses and retail, was granted on appeal on 13th June 2018 under Planning Reference 15/01634/PPP. 4.2 This was followed by an application submitted under Section 42 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (Planning Reference 20/00784/S42) to amend the statutory timescales covering the submission of additional reserved matters which was refused by Planning Committee on 15th October 2020. 4.3 Planning Application 20/01468/S42 was submitted under Section 42 to amend condition 12 of Planning Permission 15/01634/PPP (for Residential Development & Associated Uses, including Community Uses and Retail in principle) to allow the submission of the site investigation report to be provided in phases. This application was granted by Planning Committee on 28th January 2021. 4.4 A non-material variation to 20/01468/S42 to amend the development footprint of the Approved Masterplan site (Reference 15/01634/PPP) was agreed by the Planning Authority on 18th December 2021. The proposed revision was deemed necessary on account of the discovery of a high-pressure pipeline in the northwest corner of the site. 5. Development Plan 5.1 The original planning permissions (15/01634/PPP and 20/01468/S) were approved under The North Lanarkshire Local Plan (2012), which has been superseded by The North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan, Adopted 6th July 2022. The National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) was approved by the Scottish Parliament on 11th January 2023 and adopted on 13th February 2023 and now forms part of the Council’s Development Plan. NPF4 prevails over any policies in the Development Plan that are incompatible with its aims and objectives. The current Development Plan therefore consists of The North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan, (Adopted 6th July 2022) and NPF4. 5.2 Policy PROM LOC3 Housing Development Sites commits the Council to maintain a minimum five-year effective housing land supply at all times and to meet housing needs in accordance with the national policy position. LDP policy PROM LOC3 is compatible with Policy 16 Quality Homes of NPF4. 5.3 Policy PROM LOC4 Special Landscape Areas and Green Network Improvements seeks to promote understanding and awareness of the distinctive character and special qualities of designated Special Landscape Areas (SLAs) and requires proposals affecting a SLA to satisfy the provisions of all EDQ and PROT Policies in order that provision is made for a contribution towards the maintenance of the Green Network. Policy PROM LOC4 is compatible with sub-section d) of Policy 4 Natural Places of NPF4. 5.4 Policy PROM ID2 Utilities Improvements is relevant to the extent that it seeks to ensure that the special qualities of all protected landscapes (including, SLAs) are not adversely impacted by development. The SLA to which the current application relates is identified in Table 1 (Group 2) of the policy, as the Clyde Valley Special Landscape Area; a natural heritage asset which is also safeguarded under Policy PROT
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A Natural Environment and Green Network Assets. Policy PROM ID2 is compatible with sub-section d) of Policy 4 Natural Places of NPF4. 5.5 Policy PROT A Natural Environment and Green Network Assets seeks to ensure that proposals will only be granted where it is demonstrated to the Council’s satisfaction that development will not adversely affect natural heritage assets, including, Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINCs) and Local Nature Reserves (LNR), and/or that the impacts of the development can be mitigated through environmental measures. Policy PROT A is compatible with sub-sections c) and d) of Policy 4 Natural Places of NPF4. 5.6 Policy PROM ID1 Transport Improvements provides that development will be assessed for its contribution to modal shift in line with the sustainable modal hierarchy and current Strategies, in accordance with the EDQ Policies of the Development Plan. This policy accords with NPF4.Policy 13 Sustainable Transport and Policy 15 Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods. 5.7 Policy AD3 Amount of Development and Policy PP3 Purpose of Place - the site is located within the General Urban Area where Policy AD3 Amount of Development and Policy PP3 Purpose of Place apply. For development within Class 9 (Houses), there is no requirement to justify ‘the amount of development’ under Policy AD3. However, this matter is qualified with further clarity provided in Policy PP3 which requires new development to maintain and improve the level of amenity in urban areas and be of a quality that is in keeping with residential character. These matters will primarily be achieved through application of the environmental and design quality policies contained in the Development Plan. Whilst the Local Development Plan does not apply rudimentary density standards to new housing development, other Council standards must be adhered to; amongst these include the Council’s Open Space (garden sizes) standards, Play Provision standards and Parking standards which are material to the determination of the application. Policies PP3 and AD3 of the Development Plan are in line with the broad aims of objectives of tNPF4, namely Sustainable Places and Liveable Places and more specifically, are compatible with the six qualities of successful places detailed in NPF4 Policy 14 Design, Quality and Place and the criteria listed under NPF4 Policy 15 Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods. 5.8 Policy CI Contributions to Infrastructure - A Section 75 Agreement has been completed to secure (index linked) contributions towards education in accordance with the requirements of the existing planning permission and requirements of Policy CI. No further contributions are sought. LDP Policy CI is compatible with subsection b) of NPF4 Policy 18 Infrastructure First. 5.9 Policy EDQ 1 Site Appraisal - To ensure successful integration with landscape setting and the built fabric, Policy EDQ 1 requires applications to be accompanied by an appraisal of development to demonstrate that it is able to satisfy the design quality criteria of the policy. EDQ1 is compatible with the broad aims and objectives of NPF4 Policies 14 Design, Quality and Place and 15 Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods. 5.10 Policy EDQ 2 Specific Features for Consideration requires that in areas subject to hazards (Hazardous Zones) and/or other specific features (utilities infrastructure and management areas) in accordance with plans and protocols of the relevant managing agencies, applications for development should be accompanied by an assessment of how the identified constraints will be managed. Where ground stability (coal mining), or contamination appraisal identifies the need for any necessary mitigation measures, including treatment or remediation, development will only be permitted where those mitigation measures can be secured. This policy is in accordance with NPF4 Policy 9 Bownfield, Vacant and Derelict Land and Empty Buildings. 5.11 Policy EDQ 3 Quality of Development permits development where high standards of site planning and sustainable design are achieved. Policy EDQ3 is also compatible with the broad aims and objectives of Policy 14 Design, Quality and Place and Policy 15 Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods of NPF4.
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5.12 Also, material to the determination of the application is: • The Council’s ‘Developer’s Guide to Open Space’, which sets standards for minimum front and rear garden depths and spatial standards for plots garden/building ratios; • The Council’s Parking Standards and; • The Council’s Open Space/Play Space Standards 5.13 In summary all LDP policies considered in the determination of the current application are compatible with the broader policy aims and objectives of NPF4. 6. Consultations 6.1 NLC Archaeology – Condition 11 of the permission cannot be signed off until a programme of works has been implemented in accordance with the submitted Written Scheme of Investigation. This condition, replicated in this report as Condition 8, must remain in force 6.2 NLC Green Space – With regards to Condition 18, Local Nature Reserve Protection Plan, Greenspace is satisfied with the details provided. Provision should also be made to create a habitat implementation group in order to facilitate all the actions within the plan and annual reports should be submitted to the Council on the progress and management within the plan. Any deviation from the plan should seek permission from the Council. Greenspace has no objection to the discharge of Condition 21 (Updated bat, badger and breeding bird surveys). However, a further condition is required to ensure that if the development has not commenced on site within one year of previous surveys, updated survey work will be required for these species and the survey work shall be submitted to the Planning Authority for review; condition 19 of the extant permission should therefore be reworded and remain in force. 6.3 NLC Strategy and Policy – No objection 6.4 NLC Protective Services – No objection to the proposed development on grounds of noise impact subject to conditions. 6.5 NLC Transportation – Subject to further detailed analysis during the Construction Consent stage, NLC Transportation accepts the contents of the Street Engineering Review, the Castlehill Road roundabout design amendments and Overtown Cross and Netherton junction improvements submitted in support of the application. 6.6 The Coal Authority – The area identified in the JWH Ross report as being at risk from shallow coal workings (Area D) will not be developed as part of this current application. This therefore negates the need for any remedial works in this area. Potential departures of the mine entries have been taken into account when calculating the fence lines for these features. Subject to the fencing being implemented on site as proposed prior to the first occupation of the development and being retained in situ and in good order for the lifetime of the development, The Coal Authority has no objection to the discharge of Condition 8. 6.7 Scottish Water – No objection to the proposed development. However, the applicant should be aware that this does not confirm that the proposed development can currently be serviced. 6.8 SEPA – Refer to Standing Advice. 7. Representations 7.1 Following advertisement in the local newspaper, standard neighbour notification and neighbour renotification, the Planning Authority has received 11 letters of objection to the proposed development. The objections are summarised below: 7.2 Green Belt Designation /Contrary to Local Plan and Structure Plan / Alternative Sites in Ravenscraig, Newmains and Wishaw
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Response: Planning permission in principle for up to 601 houses on the site was granted on appeal on 13th June 2018. The Reporter’s decision, which is binding, established the principle of housing on the site. During the Development Plan process and ‘Call for Sites’, all sites that were put forward for housing including, sites in Ravenscraig, Newmains and Wishaw and the current application site, were thoroughly examined and after a lengthy Development Plan examination process, in which all representations to the draft plan were considered, these sites were allocated for housing in the draft Development Plan. As part of the Development Plan process, the current application site was removed from Green Belt and allocated for 601 residential units in the draft North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan on the strength of evidence to demonstrate a significant shortfall in the Council’s housing land supply. Subsequently, the Scottish Ministers confirmed in a letter dated 5 July 2022 that the Council could proceed to adopt the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan. 7.3 Loss of Amenity: Noise Impact Response: Noise and disruption during construction will be regulated under the Control of Pollution Act 1974. Recommended construction working hours in residential areas are: 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm Saturday with no noisy operations on Sundays or public holidays. The Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 also contains provisions to limit sound transmission emanating from new buildings once completed, to a level that will not threaten the health of occupants and/or adjoining neighbours. The above measures will ensure noise levels are within acceptable standards. 7.4 Loss of Amenity: Overshadowing /Loss of Light/Loss of Privacy/Loss of View Response: The proposed dwellings are sufficiently distanced from existing properties to prevent any significant effects caused by overshadowing /loss of light and/or overlooking/ loss of privacy. Loss of view is not a material planning consideration. 7.5 Loss of Amenity: Light Pollution Response: A condition is attached to minimise artificial light and mitigate light pollution. 7.6 Loss of Amenity: Rights under Art 1 and Art 8 of ECHR Response: The development can be implemented without detriment to the amenity of neighbouring dwellings. The human rights of neighbouring occupiers will not therefore be affected by the development. 7.7 Impact on School Capacity Response: Developer contributions to help address the cumulative impacts of the development on educational resources have been secured by means of a legal agreement between the developer and the Council. The contributions will provide acceptable mitigation for any impact on school capacity. 7.8 Impact on Local Community and Play Facilities Response: This matter was addressed by the Reporter during the appeal of planning reference 15/01634/PPP. The Reporter concluded that although the site is peripheral in nature and likely to be further from centres of employment, services and facilities than more centrally located alternatives, it is reasonably well served by public transport and is reasonably close to schools and other facilities. The current application makes provision for contributions towards educational facilities. Additionally, the development will make provision for formal active play space consisting of over 2000 square metres of land within the site and for over 4000 square metres of informal amenity space. A condition is recommended to ensure that details of play equipment are submitted to the Planning Authority for approval before the development commences. 7.9 Impact on Wildlife/Ecology Response: A Habitat Management Plan and Local Nature Protection Plan have been submitted in support of the application. Conditions are recommended to ensure that a Habitat Management Group is set up to monitor and review the submitted Habitat Management Plan on an annual basis and that
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the HMP Group liaise with Council’s Biodiversity Officer to seek approval for any changes to the HMP. Various other measures are proposed to mitigate any adverse effects on the SINC, LNR and SLA designations, including retention of trees and hedgerows and buffers, minimisation of artificial lighting and creation of green corridors, open space, parkland, SuDs and new native species planting throughout the development. 7.10 Impact on Open Space / Landscape Response: The development provides managed open space in excess of 6000 square metres and provides a landscaped linear park with footpaths, areas for active play space and a green network of pedestrian and cycle paths. A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment was submitted in support of the original Approved Masterplan (15/01634/PPP); the Reporter concluded that the effect on landscape character would be localised and that the development would not affect the landscape character of the Clyde Valley due to the difference in ground levels and screening effect of established woodland to the south of the development. The Reporter noted that whilst the development would result in a change to the existing landscape/townscape character, the change would complement land to the north and to the east, which is already predominantly built up and in residential and/or other use. Landscaping and tree planting both within and around the development will facilitate integration of the site with the surrounding landscape. 7.11 Impact on Drainage and Flood Risk Response: SEPA no longer offers comment on certain applications and therefore, has offered ‘no comment’ on the current MSC application. SEPA previously raised no objection to 15/01634/PPP on flood risk grounds and recommended that the developer liaise with Scottish Water regarding potential surface water flooding from rainfall and sewer overflow. A condition was attached to 15/01634/PPP to ensure that an updated Flood Risk Assessment was prepared at MSC stage to take account of SEPA’s recommendations. The updated FRA proposes an adoptable drainage network, including SUDS, and discharge to a minor watercourse in line with current Scottish Water ‘’Sewers for Scotland 4’’. The drainage system has been designed to comply both with the original approved Drainage Impact Assessment Report and with updated technical guidance as appropriate. 7.12 Impact on Local Road Network /Traffic Congestion/Parking Response: Concerns relating to traffic impact, including congestion, access to local properties, road safety and emissions are noted. The submitted revised Transport Assessment addresses matters such as traffic distribution and makes provision for signalised crossings on Castlehill Road and enhanced access to bus stops, together with other off-site road and junction improvement works. Electric vehicle charging points will be fitted in all new residential units to encourage switch to electrical vehicles. Conditions are also recommended to ensure impacts on the local road network are minimised. 7.13 Insufficient Time to Respond / Developer has not engaged with the Community (Overtown & Waterloo Community Council) Response: Overtown & Waterloo Community Council was contacted directly both by email and by telephone and advised that determination of the application had been extended, allowing sufficient time for the Community Council to respond. With regard to engaging with the community, there was no requirement for the developer to do so at this stage given that the application relates only to the discharge of conditions attached to a previous consent. It is understood however that the developer fully engaged with the community prior to the submission of the approved planning permission in principle (15/01634/PPP) and accordingly, submitted a PAC report in support of that application. 8. Planning Assessment 8.1 The assessment considers the submissions made in support of the current MSC application which seeks to discharge a number of conditions attached to existing planning permission in principle (20/01468/S42) to the extent that those conditions relate to Planning Reference 22/00296/MSC and associated land outlined in red and shown on the Location Plan.
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8.2 Section 25 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 as amended provides that where, in making a determination under the Planning Acts, regard is to be had to the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise. The Development Plan consists of The North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan (Adopted 6th July 2022) and NPF4 (Adopted on 13th February 2023). Consequently, the determination of the application must be made in accordance with both and in the event of any incompatibility between NPF4 and the Development Plan, whichever of them is later in date, NPF4 is to prevail. The matters specified in the conditions attached to the existing permission (15/01634/PPP subsequently renewed and amended by 20/01468/S42), do not raise any issues of regional or national significance. The current MSC application can therefore be determined in the context of the policies in the North Lanarkshire Local Development Plan (Adopted 6 July 2022) provided that they are compatible with NPF4. Statements and policies in NPF4 are also material to the determination of the application. 8.3 The following guidance is also material to the determination of the application: • The extant planning permission in principle (20/01468/S42) for residential development (of up to 601 units) and associated uses, including, community and retail use • The Council’s Open Space Standards • The Council’s Play Provision Standards • The Council’s Parking Standards • The Council’s Statement of Landscape Importance for the Clyde Valley Special Landscape Area Background Report November 2018 Principle of the Development 8.4 The principle of housing development on the site is well established, initially through the grant of planning permission in principle at appeal on 13th June 2018 under reference 15/01634/PPP and subsequent renewal of permission under reference 20/01468/S42 (the Approved Masterplan) and latterly, through allocation of the site for housing in the North Lanarkshire Council Local Development Plan (Allocation NLMW1179 for up to 601 units). For those reasons there is no scope to challenge the principle of housing on the site under the current MSC application. 8.5 Policy PROM LOC3 Housing Development Sites commits the Council to maintain a minimum five-year effective housing land supply at all times and to meet housing needs in accordance with the national policy position. The submitted Phasing Plan encompassing both 22/00296/MSC (401 units) and 22/00295/MSC (200 units) proposes delivery of 601 units over a nine-year period, with the majority of units being delivered in Phases 1-5 over a five-year period from March 2023 – March 2028 (indicative dates) and over lifetime of the Development Plan). The delivery of housing on the site will make a significant contribution to housing need, housing supply and annual housing completion targets. The development is therefore in accordance with the objectives of Policy PROM LOC3 of the Development Plan and Policy 16 Quality Homes of NPF4. Siting, Design and Layout (Condition 1) 8.6 To ensure successful integration with the landscape setting and the built fabric, Policy EDQ 1 Site Appraisal, requires applications to be accompanied by an appraisal to demonstrate that proposed development is able to satisfy the design quality criteria of the policy. The current MSC application is accompanied by a Revised Masterplan Framework which consists of the current Wemysshill application for 401 units (22/00296/MSC) and the neighbouring Castlehill application for 200 units (22/00295/MSC) which was approved under delegated powers. The Revised Masterplan addresses the primary changes to the Approved Masterplan, including amendments to the development footprint and road layout, both of which were deemed necessary due to the presence of a high-pressure pipeline in Zones A1 and A2 of the Approved Masterplan site. Zones A1 and A2 of the current application are therefore excluded from development. 8.7 A comparative analysis of the Approved and Revised Masterplans demonstrates that the overall land take for housing development in the Revised Masterplan is considerably less than that which was originally approved. The effect of this is a visibly reduced development footprint and more compact housing layout, coupled with a greater proportion of land now being offered up as community open space. Whilst the condensed footprint will result in an overall increase in site density, it is noted that in
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accordance with Policy AD3 Amount of Development, rudimentary density standards will not be applied to housing development in the General Urban Area. Appropriate density for any given site is an output of a process of assessment arrived at through a design-led approach which takes account of site context, land supply and infrastructure capacity. The condensed development footprint will not compromise the capacity of the site to accommodate all 601 units as allocated in the Development Plan, nor will it lead to a crammed layout. The proposed layout of residential units, spacing between units, proportion of public amenity open space, play space and private garden ground serving each of the plots together with the provision of in-curtilage and visitor parking, demonstrate that the Council’s minimum standards for open space, play space and private garden ground have been achieved. The wider development, incorporating both MSC applications (22/00295/MSC and 22/00296/MSC), makes provision for amenity open space in excess of 6000 square metres of which over 2000 square metres will be provided as dedicated equipped play space. The proposed provision of open space both meets the requirements of Policies PP3, AD3 and EDQ1 and is in accordance with the Council’s Open Space and Play Space requirements. The proposed development also makes provision for sufficient in- curtilage parking and visitor parking in line with the Council’s Parking Provision standards. 8.8 Further analysis of the Approved and Revised Masterplans demonstrates that the original consented vehicular access and road layout largely remain the same with Designing Streets featuring heavily in the street design to deliver a pedestrian priority environment that connects to new and existing local core path networks. Key characteristics of the Revised Masterplan include: no development zones and green infrastructure areas to the northwest, southwest and southeast; retention of existing woodland and hedgerows; creation of a boulevard frontage to Castlehill Road in the north; creation of a network of green corridors and pedestrian and cycle paths through the site with linkages to amenity open space, landscaped areas, core paths and to Castlehill Road; defensible landscape boundaries around the majority of the site; linear parkland to the south and; vehicular northwest / southeast connections through the site. The Revised Masterplan layout demonstrates high standards of site planning, permeability, biodiversity and sustainable design and is therefore considered to meet the aims of Policy EDQ3 of the Development Plan. 8.9 House typologies consist of a mix of two-storey detached, semi-detached and terraced houses (terraces contain rows of 3, 4 and 5 units) in various house styles (12 styles in all) with each style incorporating different features, volumes, fenestration patterns, façade treatments and contrasting materials to break up massing and create variety in the street scene. External wall finishes include riven sherboune brickwork (red) alternated with white dolomite chip. Feature plots are identified at key locations including entrances to primary streets and main vistas and will be finished in grey rothesay brickwork; this will help guide people through the development and will act as wayfinding whilst helping to create diversity, character and a clear identity. Roof materials will alternate between terracotta and anthracite synthetic slates. Surface materials include, black asphalt and Marshalls keyblock in natural stone. Street facing boundary walls where required will be constructed fully in brick to match the colour of the associated unit; these are largely proposed on corner plots and/or where gable walls, side and rear gardens front the street. Elsewhere front gardens will be open to the street. All units will be provided with solar roof panels and electric vehicle charging points. 8.10 Close board privacy fencing of 1.8 metres in height is proposed to the rear of units and will not be visible from the street. Since the existing housing in Trows Road, Orchard Street, Belmont Street and Brooklyn Place is situated on a slightly higher elevation than units proposed in the southeast corner of the development, it may be necessary to form a higher boundary rear fence than a standard 1.8m high fence in order to protect the privacy of prospective occupiers of the development. The height and type of boundary treatment will be determined upon the submission of further details, including section drawings to show the relationship between the proposed and existing housing. In respect to siting, design, boundary treatment and external appearance of buildings and other structures, it is considered that the development will provide a high standard of site planning and sustainable design and will integrate successfully with the surrounding environment to ensure compliance with the requirements of Policies EDQ1 and EDQ3. 8.11 Sufficient detail has been provided in respect of siting, design and external appearance of all buildings and other structures. Satisfactory details have also been provided for new roads, means of access to the site, footways, cycle paths, car parking, hard and soft landscaping including new and existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows to be retained, means of enclosure/ boundary walls and fences, existing and
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proposed site levels and location and scale of play space areas. No issues have been identified that give rise to any conflicts with Policies PROM LOC4, PROM ID2, PROT A, EDQ1 and EDQ3 of The Development Plan and/or the Council’s Open Space Standards or Parking Standards. It is therefore recommended that Conditions 1 (a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (i) and (j) of 20/01468/S42 are discharged. No detail has been submitted in respect of Condition 1 (e) management and maintenance and for this reason, the condition should remain in force. It is recommended that Condition 1 k) is reworded to ensure that further details of play equipment are submitted to the Planning Authority for approval. It is also recommended that a further condition is attached to ensure section drawings and details (including height) of boundary fences are submitted to the Planning Authority for approval to show the relationship between the proposed units in the southeast corner of the site and the existing housing on Trows Road, Orchard Street, Belmont Street and Brooklyn Place. Conditions 1 (g) and (h) are addressed elsewhere in this report. Landscape (Conditions 3 and 10) 8.12 Policy EDQ 3 Quality of Development permits development where high standards of site planning and sustainable design are achieved. Policy PROT A Natural Environment and Green Network Assets seeks to protect natural and resilient sustainable places by safeguarding natural heritage assets and Policy PROM LOC4 Green Network Improvements Promotes understanding and awareness of the distinctive character and special qualities of the designated Special Landscape Areas. 8.13 A site-wide landscape strategy has been submitted in support of the application to demonstrate how the proposed scheme of landscaping will protect the special qualities of the SLA and facilitate integration of the development. The landscape design principles proposed in the site-wide landscape strategy replicate the principles already established in the approved landscape strategy and incorporate, new woodland structural planting to infill gaps in tree cover around the site perimeter particularly to the south, together with retention of existing tree cover and woodland within and around the site. The SLA will also be protected through ‘no development zones’ and additional screen tree planting to the southern edge of the site. This will ensure safeguarding of existing natural assets and will minimise impacts on landscape character. Linkages to the existing woodland in the valley to the south will be maximised and extensive landscaping, green verges and tree planting will be provided throughout the site, along primary and secondary routes (within the development envelope) and on the edges of the site, to promote visual amenity, emphasise street hierarchy and to enhance the setting of the development. The development will incorporate an east-west boulevard to Castlehill Road along the northern edge of the development and north-south boulevard through the site. New green routes linking the Castlehill Road boulevard frontage to the proposed new parkland area in the northwest (Zones A1 and A2 of the Revised Masterplan site) and to the linear park and landscaped SuDs areas to the south, will serve as wildlife corridors through the site to increase biodiversity. The linear park along the southern edge of the development will also be linked to a network of paths, including linkages to the established Core Path 331. 8.14 Mixed native species planting is proposed around the perimeter of the site and in outlying areas to create a natural extension to the surrounding woodland. Ornamental and appropriately scaled mixed native species have also been selected for corridors and verges within the development envelope to soften larger stretches of streetscape, node points and hard surfaces and to provide greenery all year round. 8.15 The landscape strategy is comprehensive and in addition to protecting the Clyde Valley SLA and improving and enhancing environmental quality in the area, it will also create new recreational opportunities and facilitate community access. The proposed landscape strategy is considered to meet the aims and objectives of Policies EDQ 3, PROT A and PROM LOC4 and it is therefore recommended that the following conditions are discharged: Condition 1 (d) details of landscaping; Condition 1(i) details of existing trees, shrubs and hedgerows to be retained; Condition 1 (g) provision of surface drainage works incorporating SUDS and; Condition 10 (Landscape Plan). Sufficient details have also been provided to discharge those parts of Condition 3 that require details of the proposed site-wide strategy for structural landscaping and the strategic foot/cycle path link, including proposed links to Core Path 331.
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Play Space and Amenity Open Space (Condition 3) 8.16 Policy CI Contributions to Infrastructure (Category Green Infrastructure, Amenity Space and Play) seeks to secure on-site green infrastructure, amenity space and the provision of play infrastructure. The Council’s minimum open space standards for play provision, both active and informal space, are set out in Developer’s Guide to Open Space. For major developments of 200 units or greater, the minimum play space requirement is 6000 square metres of which 2000 square metres should be dedicated to equipped play space. 8.17 The current Wemysshill application and neighbouring Castlehill application (22/00295/MSC) provide details of the locations of active and passive open space. A combined total of 47 hectares (436,005sqm) of open space will be provided across both sites, of which 0.2 hectares (2105 sqm) will form dedicated active play space; 1.7 hectares (16820 sqm) will form dedicated informal play space and 9.3 hectares (93305 sqm) will form communal open space area. It is anticipated that all open space areas will be maintained by an appointed managing agent and that details of the proposed management and maintenance of the development will be provided in due course, as required by Condition 1 e) of the existing consent. 8.18 The provision of open space, both active play space and informal recreational and amenity space is considered to meet the requirements of Policy C1 and the Council’s minimum play space and open space standards. 8.19 At the time of writing, the Planning Authority has not received any details relating to the management or maintenance of landscaped areas, a requirement of Condition 1 (e), and/or details of play equipment, a requirement of Condition 1 (k). In view of this, it is recommended that Condition 1 (k) details of play areas, is in part discharged and that a further condition is attached to ensure that details of play equipment are submitted to the Planning Authority for approval in accordance with the Council’s Supplementary Guidance (Play Space Requirements). Condition 1 (e) of the extant permission should remain in force. Phasing Scheme (Condition 4) 8.20 A Phasing Plan, together with supplementary text providing a year-by-year breakdown of the number of units to be constructed in each phase of the development, together with the phasing for other elements of the development, including junction improvements, has been submitted in support of both the Wemysshill application (22/00296/MSC) and Castlehill application (22/00295/MSC). The proposed Wemysshill development will be delivered over 9 phases and over an indicative period dating from March 2023 to March 2032. The Castlehill development will be delivered over 5 phases, indicatively from March 2023 to March 2028. This will allow the two development sites to be delivered in parallel at a rate of circa. 75 units per year. The first phase of the development will involve the construction of the two new roundabout accesses onto Castlehill Road, together with part of the primary road to allow the delivery of 601 dwellings. Each phase of the development thereafter will be constructed with roads, foot/cycle paths and associated landscaping. It is intended that the landscaping will be completed prior to the last occupation of each phase of the development, depending on planting seasons and prevailing construction routes. The play areas in Wemysshill will be constructed as part of the Phase 6 works, indicatively in March 2029 and play areas in Castlehill will be constructed as part of the Phase 5 works indicatively in March 2028. 8.21 The improvement of the Castlehill Road/ Main Street junction will be completed prior to the occupation of the 101st residential unit and improvement of the Netherton Road/ Caledonian Road/ Castlehill Road mini-roundabout junction will be completed prior to the occupation of the 101st house. Details of the specific junction improvements are detailed in the Dougall Baillie Report dates 3rd March 2022. Transport and Access (Conditions 1 (b), 1 (c) and 5) 8.22 The application is accompanied by a Transport Assessment, Travel Plan, Street Engineering Review, access roundabout analysis and offsite junction layouts. The proposed development will take vehicular access to the site from the B754 and Castlehill Road at two distinct locations: a new access roundabout to the east in the location of the existing junction access for Clyde Valley High School / Orchard Primary, and a new access roundabout to the west of the site at Smith Drive. A detailed Traffic and Transportation
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analysis has been undertaken and submitted in support of the application to demonstrate suitability of the proposed accesses to serve the development. 8.23 Junction improvements are proposed at Netherton Road and Overtown Cross to mitigate the impacts of the development on the road network. Enhanced footpath links to bus stops on Castlehill Road are also proposed, together with the provision of a new signalised crossing on Castlehill Road which will be designed as a toucan crossing in accordance with standards set out in Chapter 6 of the Traffic Signs Manual. Car parking has been provided in accordance with Council car parking guidance (2 spaces per 2 bed houses and 3 spaces per 3- 4 bed houses) to provide a total of 1099 car parking spaces and 120 visitor car parking spaces within the Wemysshill development (22/00296/MSC). 8.24 The revised layout retains the main spine road of the Approved Masterplan which links the two halves of the site and two proposed access roundabouts on Castlehill Road. The layout has been designed to provide a network of connector roads and streets, providing distribution of traffic throughout and incorporates a road hierarchy of primary, secondary and tertiary roads and parking courts, together with appropriate provision of contiguous footways and connected footpath links for pedestrians. The proposed primary road route (the spine link road) within the development incorporates a 6.0m single carriageway, verge and footway of 2m or 3m in width, reflecting a higher movement function than other road types within the development. This road provides connectivity between the 2 new access junctions and creates potential for links to secondary roads in other areas of the development. The network of secondary roads will provide a means of connecting the primary route to the less trafficked areas, including tertiary roads, parking courts, and shared accesses. Generally, secondary roads will consist of 5.5m wide carriageways with footways on either side. Tertiary roads will generally be shared surface in nature, with road widths of 5.5m and 2m service strips to either side. Parking courts will be designed to have a minimum 6m wide aisle with 5m x 2.5m parking bays; the entrance to the parking courts will be 6m wide and will be accessed via a dropkerb footway crossing. 8.25 The road network has been designed to achieve a vehicle speed of between 15mph and 20mph and street geometry/ street layout has been designed in accordance with the principles set out in Designing Streets and The National Road Development Guidelines. 8.26 Having regard to the provision of required on-site transportation infrastructure including, road layout, footways, footpaths and cycle paths, the proposed development is considered to be in accordance with Policy CI1 Category Transport. The proposed development is situated immediately adjacent to a bus route and will provide enhanced footpath links to bus stops that provide regular bus services to surrounding towns (5 buses per hour) ensuring that it meets the sustainable, multi-modal transport aims and objectives of Policy PROM ID. In respect to new roads and means of access to the site and to layout of roads, footways, car and cycle parking areas, it is considered that the development provides a high standard of site planning and sustainable design in accordance with Policy EDQ3. Accordingly, it is recommended that Conditions 1 (b) and 1 (c), Condition 3 and Condition 5 of the consent are discharged. Existing and Proposed Site Levels (Condition 6) 8.27 Existing and proposed site levels have been submitted in support of the application, together with proposed site sections. The drawings show that the Wemysshill site slopes gently towards the southwest. The drawings assess the scale and extent of effects on the landscape and in particular, the SLA designation. It considered that the visual effects on landscape character will be limited due to screening of the development from existing hedgerows and woodland and the addition of proposed tree planting. The number of receptors affected by the development will also be limited to a few residential properties in the east, where views over the site will be prominent from Trows Road, Orchard Street and Belmont Street. It is unlikely however, that the few farmhouses and smallholdings to the south will experience views to the site due to the topography and heavy screening from the existing woodland and hedgerows. 8.28 Existing housing in Trows Road, Orchard Street and Brooklyn Place is situated on a slightly higher elevation than the proposed units in the southeast corner of the development. To protect the privacy of prospective occupiers of the development, it may be necessary to form a higher boundary fence than a standard fence of 1.8m. This matter should be examined more fully upon the submission of further information, including, section drawings that show the relationship between the proposed units in the
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southeast corner of the development and the existing housing in Trows Road, Orchard Street and Brooklyn. A condition to this effect is recommended accordingly. 8.29 The site level and section drawings demonstrate that proposed development will have a low to moderate impact on the landscape. However, as concluded by the Reporter during the planning appeal of 15/01634/PPP, the effect on landscape character would be localised and the development would not affect the landscape character of the Clyde Valley due to the difference in ground levels and screening effect of established woodland to the south of the development. Whilst the development will result in a change to the existing landscape/townscape character, the Reporter concluded that the change would complement land to the north and to the east, which is already predominantly built up. On balance and in view of the Reporter’s comment, the proposed development is not considered to raise any conflicts with Policies PROM LOC4, PROT A, EDQ1 or EDQ3. Condition 6 is therefore recommended for discharge. Flood Risk and Drainage (Condition 7) 8.30 Policy EDQ1 provides that development will require to be appraised in the context of its site and surroundings to ensure that it will integrate successfully into the local area and take account of any impacts associated with the holistic water environment, flood risk, public utilities and drainage systems. An updated Flood Risk and Drainage Assessment has been submitted in support of the proposal together with detailed plans of the proposed drainage layout to show disposal of foul sewage and surface water drainage. 8.31 It is noted that within the site there are localised areas of surface water flooding (pluvial), including two minor areas in the northwest of the site. These areas are situated within a ‘no development zone’ and will not therefore present a flood risk to the proposed development. It is however recommended that a condition is attached to ensure that the areas of land in question are retained for amenity open space in perpetuity and for no other purpose. 8.32 To the south of Castlehill Road, the upper part of the site falls slightly southward with gradients decreasing significantly toward the lower part of the site. The original Woolgar Hunter report submitted in support of planning permission in principle Reference 15/01634/PPP, notes that although no (fluvial) flooding risk is identified within the site, a small unnamed minor watercourse with catchment sub 3km2 exists close to the eastern boundary of the site, south of Greenknowe Street, could be considered as a potential source for fluvial flooding. Whilst it is recognised that it is appropriate to identify this watercourse as a potential risk, is also noted that the application site lies outside the floodplain, is sufficiently distanced from this watercourse and that no development is proposed in the area closest to the watercourse. It is considered that those factors will limit the risk of flooding from the minor watercourse. Risk can also be managed further through the imposition of a ‘no development zone’. It is therefore recommended that a condition is attached to ensure that land within the application site to the south of the development envelope, is retained for amenity open space in perpetuity and for no other purpose. 8.33 Based on the intrusive site investigation report, the findings note that there is no record of a high-water table within the site. It is therefore considered that there is no risk to the development from groundwater. 8.34 For a development of this magnitude it is essential from the outset that existing drainage patterns within the site are understood in order to work with the natural flow regimes and the topography of the site and to ensure a sustainable drainage strategy is developed in compliance with the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) Regulations. An existing 300mm public combined sewer runs west to east through the site. The site proposals have been designed to ensure that this sewer is retained. The proposed development spine road also follows the route of this sewer which will lie beneath the road. As part of the background reporting relative to the impact of the development on existing sewers, an independent SWDIA report was undertaken by Scottish Water Horizons and the report confirms that there is no existing sewer flooding concern from the existing network. 8.35 In terms of surface water drainage, the drainage will be designed as an adoptable drainage network, including SUDS, in line with the current Scottish Water “Sewers for Scotland 4”. This requires that the drainage network is designed to accommodate flows with no flooding in the 1:30 (3.33%AEP) year event inclusive of an uplift of 10% for potential urban creep, and 30% for climate
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change. In addition, the drainage and attenuation proposals have been tested for the 1:200yr (0.5%AEP) event, including appropriate climate change uplift. In line with current SEPA guidance, “Climate change allowances for flood risk assessment in land use planning”, the climate change allowance used is 55% as appropriate for the site location. The site will be drained via publicly adoptable sewers and where there is attenuation proposed at end of line via adoptable SUDs basins. Runoff from driveways will be treated by permeable paving. 8.36 To conclude, the risks of flooding from groundwater, nearby water courses, surface water or existing sewers are minimal and can be mitigated by no development zones. It is therefore recommended that Condition 1 (h) disposal of foul sewage and Condition 7 (Flood Risk and Drainage) are discharged. Condition 17 will remain in force to ensure that the developer is able to confirm in writing that foul drainage can be connected to the public sewer in accordance with the requirements of Scottish Water and that surface water is treated in accordance with the principles of the Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, Design Manual. Mining Legacy (Condition 8) 8.37 Policy EDQ 2 Specific Features for Consideration, requires that where ground stability (coal mining) identifies the need for any necessary mitigation, including treatment or remediation, development will only be permitted where those mitigation measures can be secured. A Mining Stability Investigation Report has been submitted in support of the application. It is noted that there are four mine entries within the current application site and two mine entries within the Castlehill (22/00295/MSC) application site. The Applicant proposes to fence around these areas and has taken account of potential departures of the mine entries when calculating the fence lines. The fencing will also be screened by planting. The Coal Authority has raised no objection to the proposed mitigation subject to the fencing being implemented on site prior to the first occupation of the development and thereafter for it to be retained in situ and in good order for the lifetime of the development; a condition to this effect is recommended. In view of the Coal Authority’s consultation response, the proposed mitigation raises no conflicts with Policy EDQ2. Noise (Condition 9) 8.38 Policy EDQ3 Quality of Development requires development to mitigate noise impacts in order to achieve high standards of site planning. The application is supported by a Noise Impact Assessment which includes baseline noise survey data to quantify existing noise levels from road traffic on Castlehill Road. This data was obtained from the original NIA that was submitted in support of 15/01634/PPP with a correction applied to account for traffic growth since the date of the noise survey. 8.39 Protective Services has raised no objection to the application on grounds of noise impact but has suggested that conditions are attached to include acoustic barriers, windows of a particular acoustic specification and ventilators of an acoustic specification within certain plots. A further condition is also recommended to ensure submission of a validation report to the Planning Authority for approval to demonstrate that all noise mitigation measures have been provided within the development prior to occupancy of the dwelling houses. The proposed mitigation measures prove satisfactory, and, on this basis, the development complies with Policy EDQ3. It is therefore recommended that Condition 9 is discharged and further conditions are attached in line with Protective Services recommendations. Ecology (Condition 18, 21 and 22) 8.40 The site consists of arable and grazed fields, scrub, woodland, hedgerows, and marginal areas planted with wildflowers. The site lies east of Hall Gill which forms part of Cambusnethan Woodland, a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC). Hall Gill is the subject of a Management Plan which is in place to help facilitate the improvement of the site with the goal of including it within the Clyde Valley Woods Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Trees within the LNR are further protected by Tree Preservation Orders. 8.41 An updated ecological survey, Local Nature Reserve Protection Plan and SINC Protection Plan have been submitted in support of the application. The survey includes a review of habitats to determine if any significant change has occurred since the original survey report conducted in 2015 in support of
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15/01634/PPP. A bat survey, badger survey, breeding birds survey and a barn owl survey were undertaken. 8.42 The survey indicates that there have been no significant changes to habitats since 2015. A small bat roost was noted in one of the trees recorded during week beginning 2 August 2022. As the trees are to be retained with no works in close proximity, a licence from Nature Scotland will not be required. The report notes that there is evidence of roosting elsewhere and that the roost will require a licence to be in place prior to the commencement of any works. Mitigation in the form of bat boxes is proposed. With respect to obtaining a bat licence from Nature Scotland, an informative is recommended. 8.43 There are no badger setts within the SINC/LNR to 100m inside the boundary. There is no evidence of barn owls although compensatory boxes have been erected on site and a Barn Owl Protection Plan has been submitted in support of the application. The updated Ecology Report provides a list of birds recorded during the bird breeding season and where vegetation clearance (tree, scrub, hedge or grasslands) is necessary, this will be carried out outside of the nesting season (March to September). 8.44 NLC Greenspace Development accepts the findings and recommendations of the updated protected species survey and reports and advises that conditions are attached to ensure that pre-work surveys for the various species are carried out prior to development and that lighting is designed in accordance with Bats and Artificial Lighting in the UK, Guidance Note 08/18 (Bat Conservation Trust/Institute of Lighting Professionals). NLC Greenspace is also satisfied with the submitted Habitat Management Plan /Local Nature Reserve Protection Plan and recommends that conditions are attached to ensure the following: a) a Habitat Management Group is established to facilitate the actions listed in the submitted Habitat Management Plan (HMP); b) an annual report is submitted to NLC Greenspace to provide details on the progress and management of the plan and; c) to ensure that any proposals recommending deviation from the HMP are subject to the approval of NLC Greenspace in the first instance. 8.45 Subject to the proposed mitigation and further conditions attached, the proposed development raises no conflict with the requirements of Policy PROT A which seeks to protect Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation from the effects of development or with Policy PRIM LOC4 which promotes understanding and awareness of the distinctive character and special qualities of the designated Special Landscape Areas. Accordingly, and subject to further conditions, it is recommended that Conditions 18, 21 and 22 of the existing consent are discharged. Weymsshill Farm Buildings (Condition 25) 8.46 Condition 25 of the consent requires that all buildings on site (namely, Weymsshill farm buildings) are to be retained unless the Planning Authority agrees otherwise in writing. Whilst technically the buildings fall within the definition of ‘excluded demolition’ (Class 70 of the GDPO), the extant planning permission and condition imposed on the planning permission, override any permitted development rights (demolition) that would otherwise apply. 8.47 Police Scotland contacted the Planning Authority following neighbour complaints of break-ins and anti- social behaviour, in and around the Weymsshill farm buildings. Following persistent vandalism and the submission of a photographic survey of the buildings and written justification for demolition of the buildings, it is accepted that the Weymsshill farm buildings are now in various stages of disrepair and are generally unsafe. Other than the existing condition which seeks their retention, the buildings have no other statutory protection and given their condition and in the interests of public health and safety, demolition is now considered the best course of action. It therefore recommended that Condition 25 is removed from the consent and that the buildings are demolished as part of the wider proposal. Legal Agreement 8.48 A Section 75 Agreement has been completed to secure (index linked) contributions towards education in accordance with the requirements of the existing planning permission and requirements of Policy CI Contributions to Infrastructure. No further contributions are sought.
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9. Conclusions 9.1 Having regard to the Development Plan and to housing allocation NLMW1179, the existing planning permission in principle and other material considerations, it is considered that the proposed development will help address identified housing need and remedy housing shortfall in the Council area. Furthermore, the development will contribute to sustainable development through enhanced crossings and pedestrian links to bus stops and through the provision of vast areas of managed community open space, parkland, play areas and footpaths. The proposed development achieves high standards of site planning and establishes a clear vision for the site in line with design principles of the Approved Masterplan. Through new native species planting, the creation of green corridors and green links to the surrounding landscape, coupled with the retention of existing tree belts and hedgerows and enhanced protection of the Cambusnethan Woods SINC, the development will make a significant contribution to the Green Network and to biodiversity and will integrate well with its natural landscape setting. Subject to further conditions, it is therefore recommended that Conditions 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 18, 21 and 22 of Planning Permission Reference 20/01468/S42, are discharged and that the application for Matters Specified by Condition be approved subject to the attached conditions.