Agenda item

Variation of condition 11 of permission EB/2011/0193(FP) for the demolition of the garages to the rear of 2-8 Upwick Road and the erection of 6 houses and garages, parking spaces, landscaping and amendments to vehicular access from Upwick Road, and external alterations to 2/ 4 Upwick Road to remove the entrance door at the side and form a new entrance door at the front.  Variation sought: the disposal of foul water from the site into the existing drain at the rear of 7 Dillingburgh Road – OLD TOWN.

The committee was reminded that this application was reported to Planning Committee in January 2016 and proposed a sewer connection from this development site into an existing sewer in Dillingburgh Road. Members had resolved to refuse this application.

The application had now been amended and now proposed the deletion of the connection to Dillingburgh Road and promoted the foul water disposal via a pumped system direct from the site into Upwick Road. The application also proposed a revised location for the pumping chamber (already in situ) than that previously agreed.

The committee was advised that the agent for the applicant had supplied additional information summarised as follows:

•              The pumping chamber was located on the applicants land.

•              The drawings submitted to accompany the application were accurate.

•              Equipment within the venting / pumping control box would not be noisy as a fault alarm would be a flashing light on top of the control box.

•              No noise from the operation of the pump within the chamber.

•              All of the properties had SVP connected to their properties and as such all smells should be vented in the common approach and in accordance with Building Regulations.

•              A twice year inspection and maintenance regime was to be adopted.

•              The pumping chamber was connected to the existing drain serving 2 Upwick Road.

•              The pumping chamber needed to have access to the air in order to assist in its operation.

•              The brick wall to the rear of the pumping chamber matched those used in the main dwellings

A further representation had been received outlining that the developer had connected to the existing sewer that served 2 and 4 Upwick Road. In addition they recommended that the venting and switching box should be relocated further away from their gardens.

Councillor Coles, Ward Councillor, addressed the committee in objection stating that the control box had been positioned in close proximity to a neighbours property without permission, this was causing some concern particularly with regard to potential noise and smells.

Mr Cline addressed the committee in objection stating that the drain had been connected to the foul water pipe at 2 Upwick Road and not the main drain as suggested in the plans submitted.

Mr Goacher, applicant, addressed the committee in response stating that all planning concerns had been addressed, the pump installed was noise and odour free and would run for approximately 2mins per day. Shrubbery would be planted around the control box.

The committee agreed to defer the application and requested that officers explore with the developer an agreeable solution to all parties.

RESOLVED:  (By 7 votes with 1 abstention) That the application be deferred pending officers exploring with the developer an agreeable solution to all parties.