Proposed residential development of five dwellinghouses with associated vehicle access from C1059 together with drainage infrastructure and planting.

Application approved with a change to conditions.

The principal planning officer gave 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 Bufton spoke on behalf of Hatfield and District Group Parish Council, Mr Clayton spoke in objection to the application and Mr Andrews, the applicant, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that the proposed development was located in an unsuitable area and was of an inappropriate scale. The application represented linear development in the village which had remained unchanged for over 100 years. Objections to the application had been received from every resident in Hatfield and the development was felt to be out of keeping with the rest of the village. It was noted that the site was regularly water logged and there was concern regarding the environment impact of the outflow from the package treatment works into local woodland. The application was not sustainable as there were no facilities or services in the village. The application was not felt to meet the requirements of core strategy policy SD1 for new housing in rural areas. The application was not felt to accord with core strategy policies SS6 and SD2 as it was out of keeping with the remainder of the village. 

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

            - there was division among the members of the committee. It was the contention of some members that the proposed development was in open countryside, outside the borders of the village. It was the opinion of other members that the development was adjacent to the village and without a neighbourhood development plan the committee was constrained in the decision they could take.

            - an enhancement to the condition concerning management and maintenance of drainage arrangements was required to include the provision of a welcome pack for purchasers of the proposed dwellings which explained the ecological impact of wastewater drainage on local water courses and the environment. This change to the condition would help mitigate the impact of the new homes on the local environment. Members were advised that this could be provided as part of the discharge of condition submission.

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

Councillor Stef Simmons proposed and Councillor Dave Davis seconded the approval of the application subject to the change to conditions as outlined below:

            - a condition to ensure the provision of a welcome pack for purchasers of the proposed dwellings to explain the ecological impact of wastewater drainage on local water courses and the environment.

The motion was put to the vote and was carried by a simple majority.

RESOLVED - That subject to the acceptability of the updated Ecology Report, planning permission be granted subject to the following conditions, that would also secure the submission of a wastewater welcome  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13