Proposed erection of 8 no. affordable houses with associated access.

The application was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

The Senior 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 Brenner, representing Weobley Action Group, spoke in objection to the application.

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

·         The application was a proposed development outside of the settlement boundary in an area where there was already a high number of affordable housing.

·         95% of the local residents were against the application.

·         Objections had been received from the Council’s Ecology Officer and the Senior Landscape Officer.

The debate was opened with a member voicing his concerns in respect of the application and in particularly the loss of the historic meadow, hedgerow and field pattern. Concern was also expressed regarding development outside of the settlement boundary.

Other Members discussed the application and supported the officer’s recommendation. They considered that an appeal could be difficult to defend due to the Council’s current lack of a five year housing supply as required under the National Planning Policy Framework. It was also noted that although 40 yards of hedgerow was being removed a larger section was being planted.

In response to a question, the Senior Planning Officer advised that the existing footpath would be diverted around the boundary of the proposed dwelling. In response to a further question he advised that there had been a delay due to the need to undertake a newt survey, this had now been completed and conditions had been recommended accordingly.

Some concern was expressed regarding the effectiveness of replanting hedgerows. The Committee also noted that the proposed dwellings were not of a high standard in terms of sustainable features.

Councillor Cooper was given the opportunity to close the debate. He reiterated his opening remarks and asked the Committee to consider the concerns of the local residents.

RESOLVED

That subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement, in accordance with the attached Draft Heads of Terms, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions:

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B01 Development in accordance with the approved plans

3.         C01 Samples of external materials

4.         L01 Foul/surface water drainage

5.         L02 No surface water to connect to public system

6.         L03 No drainage run-off to public system

7.         H13 Access, turning area and parking

8.         G09 Details of Boundary treatments

9.         G12 Hedgerow planting

10.       Prior to commencement of the development, a full working method statement should be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority, and the work shall be implemented as approved.

Prior to commencement of the development, a habitat enhancement scheme should be submitted to and be approved in writing by the local planning authority, and the work shall be implemented as approved.

Reasons: To ensure that all species are protected having regard to the Wildlife  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10

Proposed erection of 8 no. affordable houses with associated access.