Outline planning application for 9 proposed dwellings with all matters reserved except access and layout.

The application was refused contrary to the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Outline planning application for 9 proposed dwellings with all matters reserved except access and layout.)

The Principal Planning Officer (PPO) gave a presentation on the application, and updates/additional representations received following the publication of the agenda were provided in the update sheet, as appended to these minutes.

An appeal decision dismissing an appeal against refusal of permission, as referred to at paragraph 3.1 of the report, had been previously circulated as a supplement to the agenda papers.

With reference to a road traffic accident resulting in a death adjoining the site referred to in the update the PPO clarified, in response to a question, that this had occurred in a nearby layby.  He commented that the Highways team had been mindful of this in its assessment alongside the other highway considerations.  One of the mitigation measures proposed was the closure of the layby.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr A Reeves of Linton Parish Council spoke in opposition to the Scheme.  C Reeve, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor H Bramer, spoke on the application.

He made the following principal comments:

·        He referred to the comments of Gorsley and Kilcot Parish Council, a neighbouring Parish, reiterated in the schedule of updates, quoting its concerns about highway safety (page8/9 of the update paragraphs 6 (“We believe…) to 10 “In June 2014…”).

·        He also referred to the appeal decision dismissing an appeal in relation to a previous application on the site on highway safety grounds and significant harm and impact on the character and appearance of the area.  He quoted paragraphs 16 and 17 of the decision letter in relation to footway widths in the context of highway safety.

·        He could see no reason for supporting the application in view of the objections expressed.

In the Committee’s discussion of the application the following principal points were made:

·        Account should be taken of the dismissal of the appeal in relation to a previous application on highway safety grounds.  The Transportation Manager at paragraph 4.4 of the report did not robustly state that he had no objection.

·        There were significant concerns about pedestrian safety in seeking to access facilities, noting the narrowness of the footways and the road.

·        The proposal should be refused on the grounds that it was contrary to policies SS4 and MT1.

·        Traffic speed was a significant issue.  If approved, a reduction in the speed limit would not be sufficient.  Additional traffic management measures would be needed. 

·        Noting the Planning Inspector’s comments about impact on the character of the area a smaller development might be considered preferable, although this would not address the highway safety concerns.

·        Development of the site would be compliant with policy RA2.  The site was suitable for development if appropriate traffic management measures were taken.  The stretch of road by the site did not have a significant history of traffic accidents.

·        Reference was made to the representations from Linton Parish Council at paragraph  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110