The Erewash Council Planning Committee met to discuss several planning applications and appeal decisions, approving plans for 16 new dwellings off Little Hallam Hill subject to conditions, as well as conversions, extensions, and a change of use for a public convenience. Councillors also noted the dismissal of appeals relating to tree preservation and drive-through restaurants.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Land off Little Hallam Hill, Ilkeston

The committee approved a full planning application for the erection of 16 dwellings, along with parking, landscaping, and associated works, at land off Little Hallam Hill in Ilkeston.

The approval is subject to a section 106 agreement to secure:

• Two one-bedroom bungalows built to Building Regulation Part M4(2) accessibility standard, as affordable housing for social rent.
• A £20,299.61 contribution towards the provision of one infant place at Field House Infant School.
• A £4,800 contribution towards enhancing the Oak Apple Crescent play area.

During public speaking, concerns were raised about pedestrian and highway safety, and overlooking. However, Katie Parsons, speaking in support of the application, highlighted increased separation distances, additional amenity space, the lack of justifiable grounds for highway refusal, and that a bat licence would be obtained for rehoming before construction.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration, Steve Birkinshaw, advised that the current application could not be expected to solve pre-existing traffic and safety issues, that the separation distance to the boundaries of adjacent houses had been increased to 12-13m, and that no condition requiring a construction management plan was currently proposed.

The committee also added a condition to require a construction management plan specifically relating to site access and deliveries during school travel time in the morning and afternoon.

Peter Canlin (former), 186 Awsworth Road, Ilkeston

The committee approved planning permission for the conversion of a former mixed-use building at 186 Awsworth Road into four residential units, with alterations to windows and doors on the front elevation.

Wendy Jane Shaw spoke against the application, raising concerns about overdevelopment and the consequent impact on a shared access, noise and disturbance, and on-street parking.

Steve Birkinshaw advised that the application addressed the need for apartments rather than houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), and that there would be no loss of privacy due to the retention of the existing layout, which was common along the street.

Former Windy Rise, Windy Lane, Little Eaton

The committee approved an application to replace a previous bungalow with a new, contemporary dwelling at the former Windy Rise, Windy Lane, Little Eaton. The new dwelling will be of a two-storey design, with the ground floor substantially dug into the sloping site.

Martin De Saeger spoke in support of the application, highlighting the history of the land plot and the re-establishment of a family home.

75 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston

The committee approved planning permission for a two-storey, flat-roofed extension to the rear of the dwelling at 75 Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, with a maximum height of 4.5 metres.

Trent Lock Golf Centre, Lock Lane, Sawley

The committee approved plans to create four padel courts at Trent Lock Golf Centre, Lock Lane, Sawley, with accompanying walls and a retractable roof.

Bill Camn Pavilion, West Park, Long Eaton

The committee approved planning permission to erect a first-floor extension over the existing Bill Camn Pavilion, in West Park, Long Eaton, including a balcony extending part way along the front of the pavilion.

Public Convenience, Gallows Inn Playing Fields, Nottingham Road, Ilkeston

The committee approved an application to change the use of a public convenience building at Gallows Inn Playing Fields, Nottingham Road, Ilkeston, into a hot food café. The plans include walling up existing door openings, installing two new windows, and adding an exhaust flue to the south-facing roof slope, as well as creating a hard standing seating area at the south-eastern elevation.

Appeal Decisions

The committee noted the planning inspectorate's decision to dismiss an appeal against the refusal of an application to undertake works to pollard three protected Aspen trees to 6 metres in height at 116 Longfield Lane, Ilkeston. The committee noted that professional arboricultural evidence is needed to justify this type of application, which was absent in this case.

The committee noted the planning inspectorate's decision to dismiss an appeal following the refusal of an application for two drive-through restaurants adjacent to the Sandiacre Interchange on Bostocks Lane. The committee noted that the new Paragraph 97 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) would provide a basis for refusing permission for future applications for fast food outlets near schools.