Outline application for the erection of 19 dwellings to include access from Falkland Road (amended description).

With reference to Minute Nos. 128 and 140, the Planning Officer introduced the application and explained that this application had been refused on 6 February 2014 (Minute No. 128) for the reasons set out at paragraph 2.1 of the report.  A report setting out the risks of refusing the scheme was put to the subsequent meeting on 6 March 2014 (Minute No. 140) but was deferred in order that a reconsultation exercise could be undertaken with all properties with a boundary adjoining the revised site boundary.  The report presented to Members at this meeting provided guidance in respect of the likely implications of refusing the application for the reasons set out at paragraph 2.1 of the report.  The report also set out further additional representations received from Condover Parish Council and Shropshire Council’s Public Protection Officers in respect of sewage treatment works.  The Planning Officer continued to recommend approval of the proposal.

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

Members had undertaken a site visit on two previous occasions and had assessed the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

Mr M Pritchard, on behalf of local residents, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council's scheme for public speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         The proposed route of the new footpath would take people further away from amenities and pedestrians, including children, would prefer to take the shortcut along the pavement that ran alongside the A49;

·         The proposed new footpath would put people in conflict with vehicles where it enters the Lower Fold.  The Lower Fold was used by residents and breakdown vehicles and was barely wide enough for vehicles and had no footpath;

·         There was potential danger to children owing to the close proximity of the sewage treatment plant and a report from DEFRA stated that the planning of new residential housing should take in to consideration the location of sewage treatments plants; and

·         The access to and from the A49 was notoriously dangerous and many fatal accidents had occurred.

Councillor E Marvin, representing Condover Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council's scheme for public speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         The proposed new footpath connects to Lower Fold via a narrow lane and constituted a serious danger, especially with an increased footfall which the new development would generate;

·         The access along the A49 was dangerous and the proposed new footpath did little to alleviate the dangers for school children going to and from school;

·         Consultation had not been achieved with people living on The Fold and the proposed footpath would cut through a resident’s property; and

·         The proposal would be contrary to the robust Dorrington Village Design Statement.

Councillor T Barker, the local Ward Councillor, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council's scheme for public speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 152