Outline application for the erection of 3 no. detached dwellings to include means of access.

The Area Planning Manager introduced the outline application for the erection of three detached dwellings to include means of access and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area. Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters and it was reported that the first sentence of the reason for refusal printed in the report was incorrect and should read:

The proposed development would provide three detached residential properties adjacent to a settlement identified by the Parish Council as part of a ‘Cluster’ within the 'Site Allocations and Management of Development' document (SAMDev).

Mr Clive Roberts, applicant, spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with Rule 6.1 of the Council Procedure Rules contained in Part 4 of Shropshire Council’s Constitution, Councillor Roger Evans addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor, during which a number of points were raised including the following: 

·         Longden Parish Council had a realistic view of development in the area and had put Longden forward as a ‘hub’ with other settlements as ‘Clusters’;

·         The proposal was a logical extension of Annscroft and would enable young families to move into the area;

·         Annscroft was not suitable for infill development;

·         The applicant had consulted the Parish Council and taken into account the needs of the community; and

·         The access for this site was safer than the access for the adjoining site which had been previously granted planning permission.

Having considered the submitted plans for the proposal and noted the comments of all speakers, the majority of Members expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation to refuse the application.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be refused as per the Officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

1.  The proposed development would provide three detached residential properties adjacent to a settlement identified by the Parish Council as part of a ‘Cluster’ within the 'Site Allocations and Management of Development' document (SAMDev). However the site is not considered to be located within this settlement and is therefore located in open countryside for planning policy purposes. The proposal is a departure to the development plan in that the site is situated within open countryside and is contrary to policies CS5, MD3 & MD7a. 

2.  The Local Planning Authority considers that the scheme would not protect, restore, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment. This would result in the scheme being in conflict with Core Strategy Policies CS5, CS6, CS17 and SAMDev policies MD2, MD3, MD7a, MD12 & MD13. There would be significant conflict with the environmental role of sustainability. Whilst there would be limited economic and social benefits associated with the proposal, the Framework is clear at paragraph 8 that the 3 roles of sustainability should not be undertaken in isolation, because they are mutually dependent. Given that, it is considered that the proposal would conflict with the environmental role, and that the proposal would not result in sustainable development.

Councillor Pam Moseley joined the meeting at this point.