Erection of 12 No. affordable dwellings with associated parking, roads, landscaping, sustainable drainage scheme and enhanced access from the Callaughton Lane.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  

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

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting.

Mrs L Durbin, a local resident, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

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

Councillor M Whiteman, representing Much Wenlock Town Council, spoke commenting on aspects of 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 15.1) Councillor David Turner, as local Ward Councillor, made a statement.  He remained in the room but   and 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:

·         Much Wenlock was a popular tourist destination and was a much sought-after residential location.  It had two good schools, both primary and secondary and there were good amenities within easy reach;

·         The exercise of right to buy had stripped the community of much of its social housing;

·         The average age in Much Wenlock was 49 – this compared with some Shrewsbury wards, for instance, where the average age was 37.  The proportion of its population working locally is comparatively small.  Public transport links were poor except for the Bridgnorth to Shrewsbury service and it was difficult to sustain local employment;

·         The Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan's gestation period throughout 2012 and the early part of 2013 was characterised by continuous public consultation. Surveys, drop- in consultations throughout the parish, meetings, press articles, a website, social media and posters around the town ensured that there was wide awareness of the plan as it developed.  A key aspect that emerged was the need for affordable housing for local people;

·         The demand for social housing was borne out by the Housing Needs Survey and is evidenced by the bidding on HomePoint.  This site, just off the lane to Callaughton, close to the primary school, the shops and public transport, was as good as any in the somewhat constrained topography of Much Wenlock.  The proposal had been subject to well-publicised local consultation and comments that have been made had informed changes in the layout and design;

·         As regards this application, it would provide a variety of accommodation.  The plots would be large and the houses were imaginatively designed.  The surface water management proposals were thorough and resilient;

·         He expressed concerns regarding the pedestrian access arrangements along the lane from the Bridgnorth Road but was somewhat reassured given the view of the Highways Officer that this would be acceptable given the low volume of traffic using it.  He expressed further concerns relating to the close proximity of the 30mph speed limit on the A458 to this junction and expressed his dismay with regard to the assertion that this development would not justify moving it further out of town or warrant the imposing of a 40mph step-down speed limit a few hundred yards before.  He welcomed the Section 106 contribution to additional traffic calming measures along the A458; and

·         In conclusion, he believed that the highways concerns would not be sufficient reason to warrant refusal of the application and urged the Committee to approve.

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

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  Members acknowledged the need for affordable dwellings as evidenced in the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan.   In response to questions, the Area Highways Development Control Manager (South) explained that the issue of the 30mph speed limit had been discussed with the Police and appropriate Shropshire Council Highways Officers and all parties had agreed that the present location of the 30mph speed limit was an appropriate location and in line with Department of Transport guidance.  The warning signs were prominent with yellow backing boards and placed in a good location that could be seen at a distance by vehicles entering Much Wenlock.  If any additional frontage development took place on the A458 heading south towards Bridgnorth then consideration might be given to the location of the 30mph speed limit signage.   A vehicle activated sign had been proposed and this would add extra prominence to the speed limit and act as a reminder for drivers after they had entered the speed limit.  It was considered best practice to keep any restriction close to the built-up area as an extension of a speed limit where it was not appropriate often led to a lack of respect and compliance.

RESOLVED:

That, as per the amended recommendation as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters, planning permission be granted, subject to:

·         Completion of a Section 106 Agreement in relation to traffic calming measures including the moving of the 30mph speed limit signs on Callaughton Lane; and

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1.