Proposed outline permission for a residential development of 16 no. Dwellings with associated infrastructure including alterations on A438 plus drainage and landscaping with all matters reserved except for access.

The determination of the application was deferred pending further discussions with the applicant in respect of highway and drainage concerns.

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 Geeson, representing Breinton Parish Council and Col. Farnes, a neighbouring resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mrs Tagg, the applicant, spoke in support.

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

·         Three previous applications had been refused in the area as they were contrary to UDP Policy H7. This application was also contrary to H7.

·         The application must be considered on its merits.

·         There had been unrecorded accidents on Kings Acre Road so the figures provided were not accurate.

·         The Transport Manager had admitted that there was an issue with visibility hence why he had proposed closing part of the well-used layby.

·         The application was contrary to DR3, DR4 and DR7 of the UDP.

·         There was a serious issue with flooding in the area.

·         There were a number of badger sets in the area which would be disturbed through the development.

·         There were concerns regarding sewerage.

·         An email had been received from the residents of 304 Kings Acre Road voicing their concern in respect of the proposed drainage works and stating that they may need to terminate the drain where it entered their land or take out an injunction to stop additional water being piped onto their land.

·         The drainage issues would be moved to the other side of the road and not actually addressed.

Members discussed the application and had concerns regarding the drainage issues raised and also in respect of access and egress to the site. They therefore decided to defer the application pending further discussions with the applicant.

The Principal Planning Officer explained the reasons for the existing drainage problem in the area and advised that the changes to the drainage strategy had resulted from the concerns raised by local residents. He added that the site was capable of being developed as the surface water drainage could be collected and controlled to discharge at greenfield rates and therefore the proposals would represent a betterment.

The legislation relating to badgers was also explained and the Committee were advised that any works affecting the setts would need to be carried out under licence from Natural England.

Councillor Matthews was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks and made additional comments, including:

·         The drainage issues needed to be resolved before the application could be determined.

RESOLVED

That determination of the application be deferred pending further discussions with the applicant in respect of highway and drainage concerns.

Proposed outline permission for a residential development of 16 no. Dwellings with associated infrastructure including alterations on A438 plus drainage and landscaping with all matters reserved except for access.