Outline application with all matters reserved for the proposed erection of two self-build dwellings.

Application approved with a change to the conditions.

Councillor Richard Thomas acted as the local ward member for the application below

The senior planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr Corbett, representative for local residents, spoke in objection to the application and Mr Tompkins, the applicant’s planning agent, spoke in support.

In accordance with the council's constitution the adjoining local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, she explained that the application was a reserved matters application with issues such as type and scale of the proposed properties to be determined at a later application. However, the indication in the current application was that the two properties would be of a significant scale. Local objectors’ foremost concern with the application related to the issue of access. Contrary to the national planning policy framework (NPPF) paragraphs 110, 111 and 112 the proposal in the application had an adverse impact upon highway safety. The inadequacy of detail regarding visibility splays and driver sightlines from the access track to the application site posed a risk to drivers and pedestrians using the local highway network. The status of the track leading to the application site was also a concern as it was not in the ownership of the applicant but was across unregistered land. Contrary to NPPF paragraphs 8 and 119, the lack of an agreement for the use of the track to serve the application site undermined the sustainability and viability of the site; there was no guarantee that the applicant would have an indefinite right of access along the track. Responsibility for the maintenance of the track was unclear; deterioration of the surface of the access could pose a risk to all users. The application could be refused due to its unacceptable impact on highway safety and there was precedent for refusal on access grounds. The site also posed a risk to vulnerable local ecology and there would be drainage issues from any new development.

In accordance with the council's constitution the local ward member spoke on the application. In summary, he explained that there would be a significant excavation and removal of earth from the site to facilitate the development. During construction this would pose unacceptable impact upon local residential amenity. The application was outline only and should not be approved as it was not suitable. It was out of character with other local houses and a full application should be required for consideration.

The committee debated the application. There was division among the members of the committee but the majority accepted the principle of development of the site and the officer recommendation for approval. There was concern expressed regarding the movement of soil from the site during construction.

The development management service manager explained that condition 5 of the permission could be updated to ensure that the construction management plan incorporated a soil and waste management plan.

The adjoining ward member and the local ward member were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61