Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors S Gill, and Tromans.

Members to declare any interests in matters to be discussed at the meeting.

Proposed demolition of existing buildings and erection of 1 No. primary school, 190 No. dwellings, public open space, landscaping and associated works (outline application with all matters reserved).

(Councillor Fenton withdrew from deliberations)

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager reported that three further representations had been received and circulated to members. The first was from Sport England who objected to the recommended condition related to the submission of a viability assessment to address any requirement for the Council to fund improvements to off-site golf facilities. In addition, a letter had been received from a concerned local resident along with a framed picture emphasising the Brandhall green space and what would be lost if any development went ahead. Lastly an organisation called the Hive Effect had submitted an objection emphasising the loss green space and the impact any development would have on local ecosystems.

In view of the ongoing objectors campaign to the proposed Brandhall development Councillor Preece, with the agreement of the Committee, stated that all members had been lobbied on behalf of the objectors.

Objectors were present and addressed the Committee with the following points:

·      the previous leader of the Council had assured residents that a public consultation would be held on the future of Brandhall;

·      a majority of residents had rejected any proposed development;

·      ;the residents felt that the Council had not listened to them;;

·      the Black Country and Birmingham Wildlife Trust had asked the Council to undertake and submit a wildlife assessment and had stated that previous investigations had not been sufficient;

·      it was considered that the proposed development would negatively impact the local highway infrastructure and safety;

·      Staffordshire Country Council, who acted as a lead consultant for Sandwell as a lead local flood authority, had objected to the proposals on grounds of insufficient detail on the proposed draining strategy;

·      it was not clear what walking and cycling provisions the proposed development would create;

·      the development on green space was being used as a quick fix for Sandwell’s housing shortage;

·      if the green space was lost it would be lost forever;

·      the land proposed for the development had been green space for a long time and its loss would result in the loss of local biodiversity;

·      what future would be left for Sandwell’s children if their green space could not be protected;

·      the loss of green space would continue to decline for local communities;

·      developments around Brandhall had resulted in serious flooding issues within the Brandhall site that posed a severerisk to public safety;

·      Sandwell should change the way it thinks about the environment.

The applicant’s agent was in attendance and addressed the Committee with the following points:

·      the proposed development would provide a unique opportunity to improve public open space, education and housing provision;

·      the proposal would deliver a substantial public park, a new school, and high-quality housing;

·      the outline application with all matters reserved would seek to establish the development in principal;

·      the outline application, supported by a landscape led masterplan, would supply almost 30 hectares of new public park and covered almost 80% of the site;

·      the green space would not be lost forever, but be enhanced, it would increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 86/21

Proposed residential development comprising of 278 No. dwellings (Reserved matters application for appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) - Pursuant to outline planning application DC/14/57745.

Councillor Webb indicated she had been lobbied on a previous site visit.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager confirmed that the application was a reserved matters application, the Committee had previously granted outline permission on the quarry. The Committee was updated on additional conditions to the recommendation, with the addition of a retaining wall on Portway Road, along with details on parking/manoeuvring, hard landscaping and corner plots incorporating windowed elevation details. It was also noted that condition (iv) within the report regarding the monitoring and management of boreholes, be removed due to duplication from the original outline report and ongoing work.

No objectors had registered to speak.

The applicant was present and addressed the Committee with the following points:

·      the proposed development was a product of extensive joint working between the Council and the applicants;

·      the input from officers had helped shape the layout of the application which would aim to create a high-quality environment for residents;

·      the proposal encompassed both public and private open space along with hard and soft landscaping;

·      the proposed development would incorporate a housing mix, from one bed flats to four bed houses;

·      the approval of the application would help address Sandwell’s housing need;

·      the location of the proposed housing was not on landfill and had never been landfill, but adjacent to where the landfill was;

·      a considerable amount of work had been undertaken between the Council and the Environment Agency to ensure any impact on the proposed housing from the nearby landfill site was managed effectively;

·      in addition to the proposed development the adjacent side of the site operated a soil processing and infill site that was seeking to restore the quarry;

·      it was anticipated that the infill would be in operation for another 20 to 25 years;

·      the soil processing and infill operation would not impact the residential development, the access to the site was from different routes.

The applicant clarified that the affordable housing provision was set as part of the outline application and Section 106 agreement. The decision on affordable housing provision was reached through viability testing owing to the difficulties of developing the site. The residential and quarry site would be separated by a security fence and would be secure.

The applicant clarified that the soil processing and infill site at the far end of the site was assessed separately and a considerable distance from the residential development and it was projected that there would be no impact from the soil processing facilities.

Concern was raised about potential subsidence of the proposed development owing to the significant contours of the land in question and the nature of the site being infilled. The applicant reassured the Committee that the land proposed for the development had not previously been quarried and was instead used for buildings associated with the quarry. The land was virgin land and the developer was confident there would be no settlement issue. The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager also confirmed that Building Regulations approval would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 87/21

Under Standing Orders 4(5) a motion was proposed and seconded to suspend the standing order to extend the meeting prior to the expiration at 3 hours.

Resolved that the meeting be extended until the remaining business had been considered.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68288 - Proposed part change of use of ground floor and conversion of first/second floors with single storey rear extension to create 2 No. self-contained apartments, rear loft dormer window, new shop front, landscaping and parking to rear. 38 High Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5HL, is deferred to allow for a site visit to be undertaken.

Resolved that  Planning Application - DC/23/68367 - Proposed two storey side and single storey front/side/rear extensions, roof extension, loft conversion and rear dormer window. 57 Valentine Road, Oldbury, B68 9AH is deferred to allow for a site visit to be undertaken.

(Councillor Fenton withdrew from the meeting)

Proposed learning campus comprising of education (Class F1(a)), medical or health services (Class E(e)), food and drink (Class E(b)), and professional services (Class E(c)) with hard and soft landscaping.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advised the Committee that the applicant was unable to attend the Committee and had asked for a statement to be read out that stated:

·      the application was part of a Towns Fund project working in collaboration with Sandwell Council, Sandwell College, University of Wolverhampton and Aston University;

·      the proposed development would be a purpose built learning campus at the gateway to the Midland Metropolitan Hospital;

·      it would benefit from close direct links to the new hospital and would provide training and pathways into employment in healthcare;

·      the development would increase local spend and opportunities;

·      the design and development would look to be carbon neutral.

The Committee was further advised on cycling provision for the proposed site. It was understood that a stand alone cycling storage area was proposed to the side of the building which was included as part of the sustainable offer of the proposed development.

No objectors had registered to speak.

                  (Councillor Fenton returned to the meeting)

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68220 - Proposed learning campus comprising of education (Class F1(a)), medical or health services (Class E(e)), food and drink (Class E(b)), and professional services (Class E(c)) with hard and soft landscaping. Land At Midland Metro University Hospital, Grove Lane, Smethwick, B66 2QT, subject to a s106 agreement to secure monitoring of off-road parking before and post development, planning permission is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)              Parking, loading/unloading laid out and retained;

ii)             Detailed travel plan;

iii)           Dust management plan during construction;

iv)           Construction management plan;

v)             Site investigation, remediation and validation;

vi)           Details of odour extraction from cooking smells and maintenance thereafter;

vii)         Lighting details;

viii)        CCTV proposals;

ix)           Implementation of drainage strategy (LLFA);

x)             Surface water management plan (during construction)

xi)           Details of disposal of surface and foul water (Severn Trent);

xii)         Finished floor levels;

xiii)        Details of external materials (to include a colour to the Dudley Road elevation)

xiv)       No vinyl’s to be incorporated into the glazed areas of the building;

xv)         Details of hard and soft landscaping;

xvi)       Details of Bin storage and Refuse management plan;

xvii)      Details of street furniture and public art within the external spaces; and

xviii)    Employment Skill plan;

Proposed change of use of part-ground floor, first and second floors and two-storey rear extension to accommodate 19 No. bedsits (house in multiple occupation - HMO) with 2 No. rear dormer windows, 2 No. external staircases, bicycle parking and bin store.

Councillors Millar, Chidley, Fenton, Loan, N Singh and Webb indicated they had been lobbied by the applicant on the recent site visit.

No objectors or applicants had registered to speak.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager confirmed that the applicant had stated that there would be increased bin storage on site and if approved the provision and retention of waste storage would be conditioned.

(Councillor Uppal left the meeting)

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68252 - Proposed change of use of part-ground floor, first and second floors and two-storey rear extension to accommodate 19 No. bedsits (house in multiple occupation - HMO) with 2 No. rear dormer windows, 2 No. external staircases, bicycle parking and bin store. 576-578 Bearwood Road, Smethwick, B66 4BW is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)              Materials to match existing building;

ii)             Noise assessment and implementation of recommendations;

iii)           Detailed air quality mitigation plan to include glazing, mechanical ventilation, maintenance and retention thereafter;

iv)           Construction management plan;

v)             Low NOx boilers;

vi)           Provision and retention of waste storage area;

vii)         Provision and retention of cycle storage (materials to match existing building);

viii)        External lighting scheme;

ix)           No use of staircase or flat roof as external amenity area;

x)             Communal areas to be provided and retained; and

xi)     To be used as HMO accommodation only – not individual dwelling houses.

Proposed single storey rear extension to create 1 No. self-contained flat.

Councillors Millar, Chidley, Fenton, Loan, N Singh and Webb indicated they had been lobbied by the objectors on the recent site visit.

No objectors or applicant had registered to speak.

The Committee indicated that following the site visit it was apparent that a number of the objectors had not fully understood the details of the proposed development and when informed were far more comfortable with what was proposed.

Objectors had expressed their concern over the potential loss of trees on the boundary, to which the Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advised the Committee that a condition could be imposed but it would depend on whether the trees fell within the applicant’s premises.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68347 - Proposed single storey rear extension to create 1 No. self-contained flat. 574 Hagley Road West, Oldbury, B68 0BS is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)              External Materials;

ii)             Car parking implementation and retention;

iii)           Noise assessment and mitigation measures;

iv)           Drainage;

v)             Low NOx Boiler;

vi)           Refuse Storage;

vii)         Cycle Storage;

viii)        Construction environmental management plan;

ix)           Obscure glazing to side elevation (east facing);

x)             Highway signage to entrance/ exit;

xi)           External lighting scheme; and

xii)     Retention of trees if applicable.

Proposed 2 No. portal framed buildings to house 7 No. small units for general industrial/storage and distribution use with associated vehicle access, substation, sliding front gates, parking and covered cycle shelter.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advised that no objections had been received in relation to the application, the matter was before the Committee as the proposed development was a departure from the development plan and hence the departure would be subject to approval by Full Council.

The applicant had not registered to speak.

The Healthy Urban Development Officer advised that the proposed development may relate to storage that was regulated by the Council through Environmental Health industrial permitting or depending on what was ultimately stored the Environment Agency.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68467 - Proposed 2 No. portal framed buildings to house 7 No. small units for general industrial/storage and distribution use with associated vehicle access, substation, sliding front gates, parking and covered cycle shelter. West Midlands Foundry Co Limited, Blakemore Road, West Bromwich, B70 8JF subject to approval by Full Council as departure from the development plan, that planning permission is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)              External materials;

ii)             Secure cycle shelter;

iii)           Electric vehicle charging points;

iv)           Details of front sliding gates;

v)             Levels;

vi)           Substation details;

vii)         Construction and environmental management plan;

viii)        Ground investigation/remediation works;

ix)           Foundation design detail adjacent the canal;

x)             Landscaping facing the canal frontage, and site hard

surface; details;

xi)           Apprentice training in construction,

xii)     measures to prevent runoff;

Retention of light industrial and storage use, vehicular access, car and vehicle parking, lighting and CCTV.

No objectors or applicants had registered to speak.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68518 - Retention of light industrial and storage use, vehicular access, car and vehicle parking, lighting and CCTV. Locarno Works, Locarno Road, Tipton, DY4 9AF is deferred to allow a site visit to be undertaken.

Proposed residential development comprising of 45 dwellings, landscaping and car parking.

No objectors had registered to speak.

The applicant’s agents were in attendance and addressed the Committee with the following points:

·      the site was part of a large housing allocation;

·      the site was covered with disused coal shafts and the previous scheme was undeliverable;

·      the proposed development would be deliverable taking into account the coal shafts;

·      the development would deliver much needed housing, and it was anticipated they would be delivered by a local developer;

·      sustainability requirements would be a focus and 10% of the proposed development would receive their energy from renewables;

·      the scheme would deliver 45 new homes on a brownfield site, the housing would be mixed, providing apartments and family homes;

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advised that the Coal Authority had recommended more intrusive site investigations across the proposed site and conditions had been crafted to address the concerns.

The applicant confirmed that work had already begun to address the Japanese Knotweed prevalent across the site through chemical treatment and removal.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/22/67797 - Proposed residential development comprising of 45 dwellings, landscaping and car parking. Site of 30-144 Mounts Road, Wednesbury is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)              External materials in accordance with submitted details;

ii)             Electric vehicle charging provision and retention;

iii)           Construction environmental management plan;

iv)           Low NOx boilers, provision and retention;

v)             Provision and retention of car parking;

vi)           Drainage;

vii)         Site investigation and remediation;

viii)        External Lighting scheme;

ix)           Finished floor levels;

x)             Boundary treatments;

xi)           Landscaping in accordance with submitted details;

xii)         Electric vehicle charging;

xiii)        Detailed method statement setting out job and apprenticeship opportunities which may arise during the construction of the development and/or when the development is brought into use;

xiv)       Coal Authority – Intrusive site investigations/remediation works;

xv)         Noise assessment;

xvi)       Construction times;

xvii)      Construction Surface Water Management Plan; and

xviii) Permitted development removal.

Retention of heavy goods lorry and trailer parking area with portable office.

The Development Planning and Building Consultancy Manager advised that no objections had been received and the recommendation should have specified that the application was subject to approval by Full Council as it was a departure from the local development plan.

Resolved that retrospective Planning Application - DC/22/67520 - Retention of heavy goods lorry and trailer parking area with portable office. Tata Cargo Ltd, Rigby Street, Wednesbury, WS10 0NP subject to approval by Full Council as departure from the development plan, is granted subject to conditions relating to:

i)     The areas shown for manoeuvring and parking of vehicles is provided and retained as such; and

ii)    Site drainage implemented in accordance with submitted Drainage Strategy Statement.

Proposed single and two storey rear and single storey front extensions.

Resolved that Planning Application - DC/23/68505 - Proposed single and two storey rear and single storey front extensions. 418 Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury, B68 0TE is granted subject to conditions relating to external materials shall match the existing property.

To consider and note the Decisions of the Planning Inspectorate.

The Committee noted the Decisions of the Planning Inspectorate in

relation to appeals against refusal of planning permission as

follows: -

To consider and note the Applications Determined Under Delegated Powers.

The Committee noted the applications determined under delegated

powers by the Director – Regeneration and Growth, under powers

delegated to him, as set out in the Council’s Constitution.