Outline application (including access) for residential development and associated open space for up to 228 dwellings (C3 use) (including up to 45 apartments for retirement living and the conversion of the Armoury (the 'Keep') to provide up to 9 residential apartments) with landscaping, layout, scale and appearance reserved for later approval.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the outline application (including access) for residential development and associated open space for up to 228 dwellings (C3 use) (including up to 45 apartments for retirement living and the conversion of the Armoury (the 'Keep') to provide up to 9 residential apartments) with landscaping, layout, scale and appearance reserved for later approval (amended description). The Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters and confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit this morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

Mr Norman Mcguigan, Light Infantry Veteran spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire 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 Julian Dean addressed the Committee as the local ward Councillor. During his statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         The majority of residents welcome the development of the site;

·         The number of dwellings proposed would cause highway issues on Copthorne Road; and

·         He believed that this was a lost opportunity to do something with the site that was creative and useful for the community.

Mr Peter Leaver, Agent for 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 noted that they were not in objection to the principle of development on the site but had a number of concerns in relation to the proposed development including the impact on local schools which were already at capacity; the proposed demolition of the Officers’ Mess and the need for a memorial to reflect the history of the site.

In response to Members concerns the Technical Specialist Planning Officer clarified that Condition 18 requested the developer to include an appropriate commemoration to explain the history of the site and the developer had agreed a primary and secondary education financial contribution in line with the policy. It was further pointed out by the Area Planning Manager that that Education department had calculated a sum deemed adequate to address the issues in relation to education and it would not be appropriate to request the developer to contribute above what was set out in the policy.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by the speakers, the majority of Members expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation subject to reserved matters application being considered by the Central Planning Committee.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation subject to:

·      The conditions as set out in Appendix 1;

·      A S106 to secure affordable housing, the funding for the provision of a controlled pedestrian crossing on Copthorne Road, a financial primary and secondary education contribution, a financial contribution to be used for improvements to Frankwell County Ground for compensation for the loss of the playing field on site and a financial contribution for use at nearby recreational grounds to compensate for a reduced level of public open space on site; and

·      The Reserved Matters Application to be considered by the Central Planning Committee.

The meeting was adjourned at 16:40 for a comfort break and reconvened at 16:53.