Housing plan on former petrol station backed

COUNCILLORS ruled in favour of 11 new houses in place of a former petrol station in Scouthead.

The former Scouthead Filling Station, in Huddersfield Road, ceased operation in early 2016.

A mixture of semi-detached and terrace properties constructed from natural stone and slate will be built.

A financial contribution of just over £14,000 will be spent on improving the quality of the landscaping in surrounding areas.

Planning has already been granted to build nine new houses at the site and planning officers recommended a vote in favour.

No objections were submitted in relation to traffic, pollution, environment, drainage or regeneration during the consultation period.

However, one neutral letter stated that the proposed houses were sympathetic in design.

Planning officers said in the plans: "Two objection letters said the development would exacerbate parking and congestion issues, would overshadow a property in Higher Turf Lane, would have an unacceptable impact on the openness of the green belt and would exacerbate flooding issues."

Impact

It was acknowledged that proposals will have a visual impact but will improve the area by removal of the canopy.

Applicant Stonebottom Developments said in the application: "The social benefits include the proposed development supporting strong, vibrant and healthy communities, by supplying housing required to meet the needs of the community.

"The environmental benefits include the removal of the unsightly structures on the tarmacked, vacant site."

The green belt location, visual amenity, residential amenity, parking and public open space were considered in the decision making.