Approval of reserved matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping for approval) for residential development of 162 residential units; associated open space and landscaping; discharge of conditions 5 - 7 and 12 pursuant to APP/L3245/A/14/2227146 (allowed on appeal) by the Secretary of State

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the application for the approval of reserved matters (layout, scale, appearance and landscaping) for residential development of 162 residential units; associated open space and landscaping; discharge of conditions 5 - 7 and 12 pursuant to APP/L3245/A/14/2227146 (allowed on appeal) by the Secretary of State.

The Principal Planning Officer 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, adding that since the Schedule of Additional letters had been published additional comments from the British Horse Society had been received.  The Principal Planning Officer confirmed that a formal response from the Highway Authority had not been received, however initial indications were that technical issues had mainly been addressed.

Mrs Alison Lewis, on behalf of local residents spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Mr Andrew Price, on behalf of How Planning, representing Danbank Developments spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Roy Aldcroft on behalf of Market Drayton Town Council spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In accordance with his declaration at Minute 61 and the Local Protocol for Councillors and Officers dealing with Regulatory Matters (Part 5, Paragraph 15.1) Councillor Roger Hughes as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         Concern was expressed at the Rush Lane crossing, particularly in relation to the access for emergency vehicles and in particular a large fire engine, as well as the turning space for refuse vehicles;

·         The proposed dwelling at plot 45 was too close to Berwyn and should be replaced by a bungalow; and

·         A management agreement for maintaining open spaces needed to be carefully considered as he was aware of two local sites where a management agreement had not worked and as a result the sites were not well maintained.

Mr Edward Landor, Agent on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

During the ensuing debate, Members of the Committee considered the points raised by all of the speakers, particularly in relation to the proximity of Plot 45, a proposed two story dwelling, to an existing bungalow “Berwyn” and access arrangements for emergency vehicles.  In response to these concerns, the Principal Planning Officer confirmed that the Fire Authority had confirmed that their largest vehicle measured 2.5 meters wide, and the short, narrowest section of the highway measured 2.75 meters wide and would therefore be wide enough to accommodate a fire engine.  The agent for the applicant was in attendance and confirmed that he was happy to re-examine plot 45, with a view to providing a bungalow, and to enter into further discussions with Planning Officers in relation to access for emergency vehicles. 

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, the majority of Members expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation subject to further negotiations regarding the inclusion of a bungalow at plot 45 and provision for emergency vehicles.

RESOLVED:

That delegated powers be given to the Area Planning Manager to grantplanning permission subject to;

·         No further objections from the Council Highway Officer;

·         Further negotiations with the developer regarding providing a bungalow at plot 45 (due to the proximity to Berwyn) and in relation to emergency vehicle access; and

·         The conditions set out in Appendix 1.