Agenda item

Erection of 30 dwellings, associated highways works, landscaping, public open space and associated infrastructure.

The Case Officer provided members with the following update:

• Due to the reduction in the number of affordable housing units on the site, it had resulted in a reduction in the financial contributions.

With the aid of a visual presentation including plans and aerial photographs, the Case Officer identified the site and explained the proposal and relevant planning policies to members, as well as noting that the location had been altered from the first submission and there had been a reduction in scale due to the view in and out of the site. Photographs of the proposed floor plans, elevations and illustrative Landscape Plans were shown, as well as photographs of the site which identified the principal view of the proposal from the village. The presentation also included details of the site being situated on a gradient and identified the issues regarding this, the proposed pedestrian access as well as identifying affordable housing units. The Case Officer identified the conservation area and the AONB, highlighting an open area within the site and strategic planting which would’ve created a buffer. Members were provided with details of the proposed local materials and the officer presentation identified the nearby neighbouring property and discussed the impacts. The officer’s recommendation was to grant subject to conditions and S106 obligations set out in the report.

Public Participation

Mr Hoskinson made a representation, informing the members that he was the planning director for Wyatt Homes. He was proud of the high quality and well-designed homes as well as the inclusion of community halls, allotments and highways improvements. Noting that it had been sensitively designed to protect the setting and be in keeping with the character and appearance of the area. Mr Hoskinson highlighted that if approved, phase 4 would have contributed to the housing land supply as well as the creation for local employment. In his representation, he highlighted the highway improvements of the scheme which would have aimed to reduce traffic movements and that the proposed new homes would have been energy and water efficient. Mr Hoskinson hoped members would support the officer recommendation.

Members questions and comments

• Clarification regarding the number of visitor and communal parking spaces.
• Confirmation as to whether the other phases of the development are within the conservation area.
• Members were pleased that the affordable housing was policy compliant, however, concerns were raised regarding the location of them.
• Clarification regarding access to the site and through routes.
• Clarification regarding visibility splays and the safety improvements of the revised junction.
• Members sought confirmation that the link roads would have been adopted by the highway’s authority.
• Members felt that the proposal was a well thought out design which was well screened and were pleased with the quality and inclusion of affordable housing. In addition to this, they also felt that the materials had been well chosen and thought out to be in keeping with the character of the area.

Having had the opportunity to discuss the merits of the application and an understanding of all this entailed; having considered the officer’s report and presentation; the written representatives; and what they had heard at the meeting, a motion to APPROVE the officer’s recommendation to GRANT planning permission as recommended, was proposed by Cllr Belinda Ridout, and seconded by Cllr Rory Major.

Decision: To grant the officer’s recommendation for approval.

In accordance with Procedural Rule 8.1 the committee voted to extend the duration of the meeting.