Outline Planning application with all matters reserved, except access, for the first phase of an urban extension comprising up to 350 homes (Use Class C3); and a care home (Use Class C2), park & choose interchange; together with open and play space, landscaping, infrastructure and associated works.

Application approved in accordance with the case officer’s application.

The principal planning officer provided a presentation on the application and the updates/representations received following the publication of the agenda. Correspondence received from Heineken's legal team, after the publication of the updates sheet, was raised confirming their position relating to water supply.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking, Mr Milln, spoke on behalf of Herefordshire City Council, Mr Hull, local resident, spoke in objection to the application and Mrs Barrett-Mudhoo, spoke in support on behalf of the applicant.

In accordance with the council's constitution a statement was read on behalf of the local ward member. In summary, he explained that flooding was a problem on the proposed site and incidents of flooding locally would be exacerbated by the development. Traffic in the area was a significant concern and the proposed development would add to problems with congestion on the local highways. There was also concern that additional houses in the locality and the consequent increase in traffic movements would result in an adverse impacts on highway safety, particularly for school children accessing local schools. It was queried whether there were sufficient local services to accommodate the additional houses and residents proposed by the new development. It was noted that the development would result in the loss of prime arable land. The application would result in the loss of access to the open countryside and the enjoyment of local footpaths. There would be an increase in the level of pollution caused by the additional traffic movements associated with the site. There would be a loss of natural and agricultural habitat and it was not obvious, in the application, how this would be mitigated.

In accordance with the council's constitution a statement was read on behalf of the adjoining ward member. In summary, she explained that the development would exacerbate existing congestion issues on the highways in the local area and have an adverse impact on highway safety. Traffic leaving the proposed site would have difficulty joining the flow of traffic along Roman Road and Three Elms Road. In addition, the proposed access onto Roman Road would be on a section of the road with the national speed limit of 60 mph which was hazardous; Roman Road was noted as a problem area for speeding. The proposed access for Roman Road was also to be situated in close proximity to a children’s play area on the Tillington Road. It was understood that traffic calming measures could be introduced but there would be increased noise from traffic which would have an unacceptable impact on residential amenity. It was requested that the applicant discuss with the council the possibility of making the old Tillington Road from the South one way to overcome problems involving the build up of traffic on the Roman Road during peak times.

The committee debated the application and was divided as to the acceptability of the application; the following principal points were raised:

• The need for the site had been established as a contribution towards the expansion of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43