Development of 2 dwellings and relocation of existing store building.

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the development of two dwellings and the relocation of the existing building store.  He explained that additional photographs of the area had been supplied and were available for the Committee to view. 

Mrs P. Raine, Whittington Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                    i.        The Parish Council wanted to stress that Babbinswood was not a village, it was only a hamlet, the village was Whittington and the two should remain separate;

                  ii.        If the proposals were approved, it could create a precedent for other land owners to start developing their land;

                 iii.        Whittington Parish Council were opposed to any development that could lead to the hamlet of Babbinswood becoming absorbed into the village of Whittington; and

                 iv.        Whittington Parish Council’s Planning Policy Statement recognised its obligations to identify a maximum of 100 residential properties within the village, was well on its way to meet this obligation and should not be forced to accept development to balance the shortcomings of others.

Mr Frank Davis, a local resident spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                    i.        Babbinswood was a hamlet, not a village;

                  ii.        The site was located outside the existing development boundary;

                 iii.        The proposals would not have a significant impact on Shropshire Council’s Housing Land supply, but would have a significant impact on the character of the area;

                 iv.        The proposed hedgerow removal would have an adverse impact on a diverse range of species;

                  v.        The proposed visibility splays were inadequate for a busy and fast section of road, which was located between two bends;

                 vi.        A site visit should be carried out in order for Members to see the issues that were particular to this site.

Mr David Parker, agent for the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

                    i.        The development would have a direct benefit to local employment as the applicant was a local developer;

                  ii.        The development would make a small but meaningful contribution to the Council’s housing land supply;

                 iii.        The development would create much needed new homes for local people;

                 iv.        The scheme would reflect the pattern and style of existing homes in the village;

                  v.        The hedgerow would be replanted to offset the length that would be lost; and

                 vi.        In response to concerns relating to the merging of the two settlements of Whittington and Babbinswood, the owner had indicated that a restrictive legal covenant would be placed on the adjoining field to prevent further development.

In response to concerns relating to access and Highways safety, Mr D. Parker the agent for the applicant confirmed that the southern visibility splay land was within the ownership of the applicant and the land which the visibility splay to the North passed through was owned by Shropshire Council. 

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal, the majority of Members expressed their support for the officers recommendation.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the applicant’s entering into a S106 Legal Agreement to secure a financial contribution to affordable housing, Planning Permission be granted in accordance with the officer’s recommendation.