Outline application (access and footpath) for phased mixed residential development; formation of vehicular access and new footpath.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and confirmed that Members had undertaken a site visit that morning to view the site and assess the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  With reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the indicative layout, proposed access arrangements and topography.  A new access would be created off the B4386 Shrewsbury-Montgomery Road and a new 300m stretch of pedestrian pavement would also be provided on the applicant’s land along the frontage of the development, to improve local accessibility.  He confirmed that the application was in outline, with all matters reserved.  The proposal was for a mix of generally modest two-three bedroomed family homes designed to meet an identified local need and intended for ‘open market’ sale.  The applicant had recently confirmed that the development would be phased to prevent market over-supply. All would have adequate parking, turning areas and good sized gardens. The proposed site was at a lower level than the road and some two storey dwellings could potentially be considered with bungalows nearest the road.  It was proposed that foul drainage would go to the existing mains sewer. 

With reference to policy, the Principal Planner explained that the emerging SAMDev did not allocate the site. It advised that a total of 30 new homes would be accommodated as infill developments within the wider community cluster which incorporated Worthen and the adjacent village of Brockton.  However, the SAMDev had not yet been adopted and there was less than 5 years housing supply in Shropshire.  Planning decisions must therefore be taken in accordance with the NPPF which suggested that housing schemes should be approved if they were considered to be sustainable.

The Principal Planner explained that the Parish Council had objected on grounds of non-compliance with planning policy, flooding and highway safety.   Consultation had been undertaken and was as detailed in the report.  Clarification had been requested on whether the pavement scheme would include a safe crossing point. The Council’s archaeology section had requested a prior survey as there has been no previous archaeological research in the area. It was considered however that this was capable of being addressed fully at the reserved matters stage and an appropriate condition had been recommended.  An affordable housing contribution and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) pavement would be due. There had been no objections from the Council’s drainage and ecology sections.  Highway officers had indicated verbally that they had no objections and had provided further clarification on the footpath proposals for the area, which the current scheme would assist in delivering. Thirty objections had been received from local residents and the main concerns related to non-compliance with planning policy, sewerage, flooding highway safety and loss of amenity.

With reference to drainage, the Principal Planner explained that balancing facilities could be provided to prevent increased run-off so flooding of Worthen Brook would not be exacerbated.  In terms of sewerage connection, this must be provided statutorily if Severn Trent agreed to accept the effluent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159