Issue - meetings

Develop land by the erection of a village hall and 9 No. dwellings, form vehicular and pedestrian access (Outline application to determine access)

The Planning Officer presented the report showing Members all the relevant plans and drawings. Members were informed of further representations received that raised no further issues.

Public Participation

Oral representations were also received in objection to the application from Mrs C Brake (Local Resident), Ms H Palmer (Local Resident), Mr T Bailey (Local Resident), Mr A Sturt (Local Resident), and Mrs Gibson (Local Resident). Concerns were raised over land ownership issues, visual impact, the loss of views, the lack of suitable land for development, the large footprint, and the impact on adjacent buildings.

Oral representations in support of the application were received from Cllr M Withers (Bourton Parish Council), Mr M Chapman (Trustee of Bourton Village Hall), Ms F Gillett (Local Resident), and Mr R Bagnall (Agent for the Applicant). It was stated that the proposal posed no harm to amenity or the local setting and would keep any increase in traffic outside the village. The benefits of the location were also highlighted including the sustainability of the hall and the creation of a community hub with the church and primary school.

Members’ Questions and Debate

Members were informed that any questions of land ownership were not planning considerations for this Committee.

Members felt that the site provided good access and parking and since it was identified in the local plan as a suitable site, there were no further issues to raise.

Decision

It was proposed by Cllr Pothecary, seconded by Cllr Jones and agreed that the application be:-

A.    GRANTED subject to the completion of a legal agreement under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) in a form to be agreed by the Legal Services Manager including the provisions and conditions set out in the appendix to these minutes;

or

B.   REFUSED permission for failing to secure the transfer of the hall if the agreement is not completed by (6 months from the date of committee) or such extended time as agreed by the Head of Planning.