Erection of 14 no. affordable homes on greenfield site including required access and services.

Deferred pending a Site Inspection.

The Principal Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application and updates / additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Drew, representing Pyons Group Parish Council, and Mrs McLeod, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application and Miss Wright, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, Councillor AJM Blackshaw, the local ward member, commented on a number of issues, including:

·         That for the first time since he had been elected he was not in agreement with the case officer’s recommendation for an application in his ward.

·         The concept of affordable housing in Canon Pyon was supported.

·         The Parish Council were against the application, emerging legislation outlined in the Localism Act gave considerably more weight to the views of Parish Councils.

·         There was an alternative site which was deemed more acceptable.

·         The application was contrary to Unitary Development Plan Policy DR1 as there was an alternative site available.

·         Members should undertake a site inspection prior to making a decision in respect of the application.

The Committee felt that there was a need for affordable housing throughout Herefordshire but noted the concerns expressed by the Parish Council, the local residents and CPRE. A site inspection was proposed on all three grounds as set out in the Council’s Constitution.

RESOLVED:

THAT the determination of the application be deferred pending a site inspection on the following grounds:

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

2.         A judgement is required on visual impact.

3.         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.