Construction of 36 no. dwellings, new vehicular and pedestrian access, internal infrastructure, landscaping, open space; and associated works, including demolition of piggery buildings.

Application approved with a change to conditions.

The development manager provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda as provided in the update sheet and appended to these minutes. 

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Robinson spoke on behalf of Colwall Parish Council, Mr Mealing spoke in objection to the application and Ms Broomfield, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution, the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that a significant amount of work had been undertaken on the application and the neighbourhood development plan in Colwall. A number of objections and concerns to the application had been raised by local residents living in roads around the application site. There was however a contingent of silent residents who were sympathetic to the application recognising Colwall’s need for more housing and more affordable housing. It was recognised that there was strong feelings regarding the application locally. Concerns that had been raised regarding the application included the impact on local services including health services and public transport. Concerns had also been raised about sewage treatment and the performance of the local water company. Concerns relating to drainage and flooding had been raised including ground and stormwater runoff and the ecological impact of wastewater from additional houses. There was concern regarding the safety of pedestrians and cyclists using narrow local lanes around the application site. It was noted that the permission contained a number of conditions which would be subject to enforcement if not implemented.

The committee debated the application and the following principal points were raised:

            - it was recognised that the application site was an allocated site within the local plan and the neighbourhood development plan for Colwall.

            - the condition concerning external lighting should be extended to lighting from the gardens of houses on the development to limit the impact of the development on the landscape.

            - it was suggested that in order to attenuate the potential flooding risk from the site to local residences the developer could be required to install a land drain.

            - it was noted that solar panels and electric vehicle charging points were to be provided on the application site but this was not conditioned as part of the proposed permission. A condition requiring solar panels and electric vehicle charging points for all dwellings on site was required as part of the permission.

            - it was noted that permitted development rights had been suspended with respect to hard boundaries however the committee required the strengthening of this condition to include all additional structures on site in order to support the conservation of a sensitive landscape.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.

Councillor Dave Davis proposed and Councillor Richard Thomas seconded the approval of the application subject to the changes to conditions as outlined below:

            - the extension of the lighting condition to include garden lighting;

            - the inclusion of a condition  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12