Agenda item

Proposal: Change of use of land to a suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG) and associated works.

The Major Projects Officer presented a report and advised that the application sought planning permission for the change of use of land to a suitable alternative natural greenspace (SANG) for the residential element of the development proposed under the outline planning proposal. The existing agricultural buildings and associated hardstanding would be removed and meadow grassland, scattered tree planting, a pond, hedgerow and scrub habitats were to be provided.

As an update the Major Projects Officer reported that the following:-

·         An additional sentence should be added as paragraph 4.1 of the report “Planning policy contained in the National Planning Policy Framework and National Planning Practice Guidance is relevant and is a material consideration to be considered in the planning judgement.  The guidance contained in Department of Transport (DfT) Circular 01/2010 is also a material consideration”. 

·         Recommendation B replace “Head of Planning Services with Legal Services Manager “

Public Participation

Oral representations were received from Cllr Philip Bamborough, Chairman of West Parley Parish Council. In addressing members he indicated that the Parish Council accepted the provision of a SANG, in principle but expressed reservations that the Parish Council’s concerns had not been addressed in relation to the narrowness of Church Lane.  This road was not suitable for additional traffic or parking.  There were concerns over air pollution and signage.  The Parish Council requested that the responsibility of the SANG lease or freehold should be transferred to them to run and manage.

Cllr Andrew Parry spoke on the application as the Local Ward Member and reminded members of the strength of feeling in respect of the wider development of the area. He highlighted that the application was fragmented and expressed concerns that the airport would have increased risk of bird strike. He asked the committee to carefully reflect on the traffic management of the site and parking provision in order to protect visitors and local residents alike.  He also wanted to ensure that the long-term future of the site was secured.

In response to matters raised the Major Projects Officer confirmed that the applicant intended to maintain the SANG.  However the Parish Council could discuss this matter direct with the applicant outside of the planning process, if they so wished.

In respect of the airport and birds from the SANG, it was anticipated that there would be mainly small garden birds and following consultation,  the airport was content that bird strike would not be an issues subject to details of a Management Plan.

Debate

In response to concerns expressed the Chairman confirmed that, if required reserved matters could be referred back to the committee for decision. 

Responding to further questions for clarification, the Major Projects Officer advised that Church Lane was a very quiet road and the highways authority had raised no objection.  Putting traffic calming measures in place would be considered out of character for the site and area. It was further confirmed that reserve matters would include the links to the SANG.

Decision

It was proposed by Cllr S Bartlett and seconded by Cllr D Morgan

GRANTED subject to conditions as set out in the appendix to these minutes.