Erection of an affordable dwelling and installation of a package treatment plant.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  He drew Members’ attention to the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting and provided a verbal update on comments in support of and against the proposal received following its publication.

Members had undertaken a site visit and had viewed the site and had assessed the impact of a proposal on the surrounding area. 

Mr C Britton, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Ms C Perkins, a local resident, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15) Councillor Nigel Hartin, as local Ward Councillor, made a statement.  He then left the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.  During his statement, the following points were raised:

·         He welcomed the site visit;

·         Recognised Settlement - He drew Members’ attention to the mixed views, received verbally, in writing and as set out in the Officer’s report, on whether or not Clunton Coppice was or was not a recognised settlement;  

·         Paragraph 6.1.5 indicated that the applicant had met the majority of the tests/criteria;

·         No concerns had been raised by Highways, Ecology and Drainage Officers;

·         Clunton Coppice was a very small settlement and had been for a very long time.  Houses had changed over time - some two small properties had merged to become one;

·         Paragraph 6.2.4 of the report indicated that the lodge would not be prominent in distant views but its very presence would erode the essentially open character of the landscape and be detrimental to the scenic beauty in this part of the AONB.  However, paragraph 6.3.4 of the report suggested that the design would be in keeping with the character of the land; and

·         On balance, he supported the application.

Mr S Jones, the agent, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In the ensuing debate, Members noted the comments of all speakers and considered the submitted plans.  Members concluded that Clunton Coppice was a recognised settlement.  To ensure minimal impact on the surrounding area, elevations should be of an appropriate colour and the use of skirtings would help to enhance the external appearance.

RESOLVED:

That, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, planning permission be granted, for the following reasons:

·         Clunton Coppice is a recognised named settlement and the erection of a dwelling and associated activities in this location would not detract from the intrinsic character and scenic quality of this part of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Accordingly, it would therefore be in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, Policies CS5, CS6, CS11 and CS17 of the Shropshire Local Development Framework Adopted Core Strategy, Policies MD2 and MD12 of the Shropshire Council Site Allocations and Management of Development Plan, and the Council's Supplementary Planning Document on the Type and Affordability of Housing.

Subject to:

·         A Section 106 Legal Agreement to ensure the dwelling remains an affordable dwelling in perpetuity; and

·         That Planning Officers be granted delegated powers to attach appropriate conditions relating to materials, colour, skirtings, drainage, landscaping, ecologyand any other conditions and informatives deemed necessary.