DC/2020/00590 - Unit 1, Site of Mayflower Industrial Estate Liverpool Road, Formby - Update
Members will recall considering an application on 17th March 2021(Minute No. 116) and 14th April 2021 (Minute No. 128), which sought the removal of an affordable housing condition attached to a 2019 planning permission for the erection of an apartment block containing 32 apartments (for over 55’s). In support of the application, the applicant demonstrated that there was no market demand for on site affordable housing and also that there was a viability argument (verified by the Council’s retained viability consultant). In this instance, a financial contribution of £266,000 towards providing affordable housing off site locally was considered to be a viable contribution whilst ensuring that the scheme can be delivered and outweighing any harm to the living conditions of neighbouring residents. Although members were disappointed that the affordable housing contribution could not be achieved on site or in full, the lack of interest in the affordable housing units and difficulties with appointing a new developer were recognised as presenting significant challenges and necessitated the need to re-assess the situation based on the new circumstances.
At the committee meeting on 14th April 2021 (Minute No. 128), members resolved to approve the application subject to the applicant entering into a section 106 legal agreement to secure the financial contribution towards off site affordable housing.
Following the April meeting, complaints were received alleging that the applicant was not associated with the development and that the details contained within the application form, mainly the contact details and certificate of ownership, was incorrect. Following a formal investigation, it was clear that an error was made regarding the applicant’s details identified on the application form. However, it is considered that this error did not lead to any gain for the applicant or caused anyone to suffer any loss. The application form (including the certificate of ownership) has been corrected and submitted to the Council. Local residents have been given the opportunity to review the updated information and whilst correspondence has been received from two residents, they do not raise matters that were not already addressed in the previous committee reports.
Members are therefore asked to note this update to enable the Council to proceed with completing the Section 106 and issue a decision.
Minutes:
Further to Minute Nos. 116 (17 March 2021) and 128 (14 April 2021) the Committee considered the report of the Chief Planning Officer that reminded members of previous consideration of the above application which sought the removal of an affordable housing condition attached to a 2019 planning permission for the erection of an apartment block containing 32 apartments (for over 55’s).
At Minute No. 128 (14 April 2021) the Committee had resolved to approve the application subject to the applicant entering into a section 106 legal agreement to secure a financial contribution towards off site affordable housing.
Following the April 2021 meeting, complaints had been received alleging that the applicant was not associated with the development and that the details contained within the application form, mainly the contact details and certificate of ownership, were incorrect. Following a formal investigation, it was clear that an error had been made regarding the applicant’s details identified on the application form. However, it was considered that this error did not lead to any gain for the applicant or cause anyone to suffer any loss. The application form (including the certificate of ownership) had subsequently been corrected and submitted to the Council. Local residents had been given the opportunity to review the updated information and whilst correspondence had been received from two residents, they did not raise matters that were not already addressed in the previous committee reports.
RESOLVED:
That the update be noted and the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to proceed with the completion of the Section 106 and issue a decision notice.