Proposed construction of 20 new dwellings and new access road and associated works.

The Team Leader (North) gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided; the schedule of committee updates is appended to these minutes. During his presentation the Team Leader (North) addressed the key issues regarding the application, these included the principle of development; the loss of the playing field; the density and design of the development; the transportation issues; the foul drainage and surface water issues in the area; affordable housing; ecology and landscaping.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Ashton, representing Colwall Parish Council, and Mr Hamilton, representing a number of local residents, both spoke in objection to the application, and Mr McCann, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor RV Stockton, the Vice-Chairman, speaking in his capacity of local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

• The application had been two years in the making and was submitted following a considerable amount of work from the applicants.
• There were traffic concerns during the morning and late afternoon due to school drop offs and collections, these were no different than any other school.
• The school was trying to improve the situation through a travel plan.
• The site was an allocated housing site under the 2003 Herefordshire Council Unitary Development Plan.
• The drainage concerns were being resolved by Severn Trent.
• The Malvern Hills were subject to flooding problems due to their nature.
• Colwall needed more housing.

The local ward member also read an additional statement from his fellow ward member who echoed the views expressed.

Members discussed the application and had concerns regarding the loss of school playing fields as well as concerns regarding traffic movements in the area. Therefore they felt that a site inspection would be beneficial.

The Head of Development Management advised Members that the site was an allocated housing site under the Unitary Development Plan. He also advised members that they may wish to consider visiting the site during the morning school drop off time in order to gauge the highways issues.

Councillor Stockton was given the opportunity to close the debate in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED

THAT a site inspection be undertaken on the following grounds.

            The character or appearance of the development itself is a fundamental planning consideration;

            a judgement is required on visual impact, and;

            the setting and surroundings are fundamental to the determination or to the conditions being considered, and cannot reasonably be made without visiting the site in question.