Outline application (access for approval) for mixed residential development (up to 162 dwellings), associated open space and landscaping (resubmission).

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the outline application (access for approval) for mixed residential development (up to 162 dwellings), associated open space and landscaping (resubmission) and drew Members attention to the schedule of additional letters.

Ms Sandra Kiessling on behalf of the Friends of Rush Lane Group, spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which a number of points were raised including the following:

·         Over 400 people had objected to the application;

·         Shropshire had a 7 year housing supply and the Shropshire Housing Market could not sustain further development;

·         The development was on agricultural land which was also within flood zones 1 and 2;

·         The developer was acting illegally by proposing to block Rush Lane;

·         The development would result in additional pressure on the already strained pumping station and could lead to sewerage flooding the area; and

·         The local medical practice had reached its capacity and there were few employment opportunities within Market Drayton.

(A copy of the full statement is kept on file.)

Mr Laurie Lane, 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:

·         Concerns of local residents had been responded to through the public consultation exercise;

·         The new road layout and roundabout would calm traffic in the area and was on land that was within the applicant’s ownership;

·         A Master Plan had been prepared in consultation with the various landowners; and 

·         The proposals were acceptable and in accordance with the principals of the National Planning Policy Framework and the Core Strategy, the benefits were not outweighed by the harm.

In response to comments made by the speaker, the Principal Planning Officer confirmed that parts of Rush Lane were in shared ownership.  The applicant had put forward two proposals to enable vehicles to cross Rush Lane, but not turn into it.  These details would be submitted as part of the Reserved Matters.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor David Minnery as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement, and left the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote. During his statement the following points were raised:

·         Requested that if Members were minded to approve the application, they supported a roundabout rather than a T junction;

·         In order to calm traffic, a lower speed limit should be implemented; and

·         Requested that the application for Reserved Matters should come back to the North Planning Committee for consideration.

Whist acknowledging that the site was within the area identified for development within Market Drayton Members agreed that the application for Reserved Matters should come back for consideration by the North Planning Committee.

RESOLVED:

That Planning Permission be granted in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, subject to;

·         The application for Reserved Matters being considered by the North Planning Committee;

·         The applicants entering into a S106 agreement to secure affordable housing and a contribution towards public transport; and

·         The conditions set out in Appendix 1.