Proposed erection of 10 houses with associated highway infrastructure and landscaping.

The application was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation.

(Proposed erection of 10 houses with associated highway infrastructure and landscaping.)

The Senior Planning Officer gave a presentation on the application.

In accordance with the criteria for public speaking Mr L Stead, a local resident, spoke expressing concern about aspects of the detail of the application, not the principle.  Mr J Hicks, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application.

In accordance with paragraph 4.8.2.2 of the Council’s Constitution, the local ward member, Councillor MJK Cooper, spoke on the application. 

He commented that the impact of flooding was the principal issue and expressed concern about the risk associated with building on land adjacent to the flood plain.

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

Concern was expressed about foul waste disposal in the absence of mains drainage. In response the Development Manager commented that satisfactory arrangements were proposed.

Whilst the site itself was highly unlikely to flood, the surrounding area was very vulnerable to flooding.  It was questioned how emergency services would reach the site.  In response the Emergency Planning Officer explained how a flood management and evacuation plan would be drawn up.

It was noted that whilst the Environment Agency had felt it had no option but to object to the proposal, it had stated that it did appreciate that this would prevent any additional development within Eardisland itself and why the Council might wish to approve the application.

The Parish Council supported the proposal.

The Development Manager commented that the site was the only site within the village outside the flood plain that provided an opportunity for growth at Eardisland.  Weight should be given to the fact that the development would provide 3 affordable houses.  Concerns about drainage and other technical matters could be addressed by conditions.  A drainage system had to be approved before development could take place. The site itself was in flood zone 1.  The Emergency Planning Officer had explained how a flood management and evacuation plan would operate.  Eardisland was identified in the Unitary Development Plan and the Core Strategy as a sustainable village where growth should take place.

The local ward member was given the opportunity to close the debate.  He commented that a difficult balance had to be struck.  The Committee had considered the key issues of flooding and drainage.

RESOLVED:  That subject to the completion of a Section 106 Town & Country Planning Act 1990 obligation agreement in accordance with the Heads of Terms as attached to this report, officers named in the Scheme of Delegation to Officers are authorised to grant full planning permission, subject to the conditions below and any other further conditions considered necessary.

1.         A01 Time limit for commencement (full permission)

2.         B02 Development in accordance with approved plans and materials

3.         The recommendations set out in Section 9 and 10 of the ecologist’s report from Star Ecology dated August/November July 2013 must be followed in relation to species mitigation and habitat enhancement. Prior to commencement of the development, a species and habitat enhancement plan integrated with the landscape plan must be submitted to, and be approved in writing by, the local planning authority, and the work shall be implemented as approved. An appropriately qualified and experienced ecological clerk of works should be appointed (or consultant engaged in that capacity) to oversee the ecological mitigation work.

            Reason: To ensure that all species are protected having regard to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 and Policies NC1, NC6, NC7, NC8 and NC9  of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan  in relation to Nature Conservation and Biodiversity and to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework  and the NERC Act 2006’

4.         Notwithstanding the approved plans prior to any development on site details of the  proposed solar panels and their construction will be submitted to the Local Planning Authority and approved in writing.

            Reason: In consideration of the impact on the surrounding Conservation Area and to comply with Policy HBA6 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

5.         G02 Retention of trees and hedgerows

6.         G03 Retention of existing trees/hedgerows

7.         G09 Details of Boundary treatments

8.         Finished floor levels will be of 86.25mAOD as indicated in Section 3.2 of the flood risk assessment submitted in support of the application .

            Reason: With consideration to flood risk and to comply with Policies DR4 and DR7 of the Herefordshire Unitary Development Plan.

9.         L04 Comprehensive & Integrated draining of site

10.       I55 Site Waste Management

11.       I52 Finished floor levels (area at risk from flooding)

12.       M07 Evacuation management plan

INFORMATIVES:

1.         The Local Planning Authority has acted positively and proactively in determining this application by assessing the proposal against planning policy and any other material considerations, including any representations that have been received. It has subsequently determined to grant planning permission in accordance with the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as set out within the National Planning Policy Framework.

2.         N11A Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) - Birds

3.         N11C General