To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tony Parsons.

Councillor Rachel Connolly substituted for Councillor Parsons

To confirm the minutes of the Southern Planning Committee meeting held on 19 September 2023

Contact Tim Ward (01743) 257713.

RESOLVED:

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Southern Planning Committee held on 19 September 2003 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any questions or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is no later than 5.00 pm on Thursday 9 November 2023

There were no public questions.

Members are reminded that they must declare their disclosable pecuniary interests and other registrable or non-registrable interests in any matter being considered at the meeting as set out in Appendix B of the Members’ Code of Conduct and consider if they should leave the room prior to the item being considered. Further advice can be sought from the Monitoring Officer in advance of the meeting.

Members were reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they had a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

Restoration of part of Farley Quarry by means of the recycling of construction, demolition and excavation wastes and the engineered placement of the rejects from the recycling process to raise levels in the Quarry to create a restoration landform, together with ancillary activities and improvements to the site access.

The Principal Planner introduced the application which was an application for the restoration of part of Farley Quarry by means of the recycling of construction, demolition and excavation wastes and the engineered placement of the rejects from the recycling process to raise levels in the Quarry to create a restoration landform, together with ancillary activities and improvements to the site access. and with reference to the drawings and photographs displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the to the location and layout.

The Principal Planner confirmed that members had attended a site visit and drew attention to the information contained in the schedule of late representations.

Stephen Holford spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor William Benbow spoke on behalf of Much Wenlock Town Council against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees

The Solicitor read out a statement from Councillor Dan Thomas, local Ward Councillor against the application in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Chris Ballam, (Agent), spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Members expressed concern regarding the effect of the proposals on the AONB and the town of Much Wenlock.  There was particular concern regarding the increase in the amount of traffic using the local highways.  Members also commented that the proposals were contrary to policies in the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan

RESOLVED:

That against the Officer recommendation planning permission be refused on the following grounds: - 

·         That the proposed development would adverselyaffect local amenities including within the AONBand for the nearby the town of Much Wenlock  

·         That the public benefits of the proposals were insufficient to justify major development within the AONB  

·         That the proposed development was contrary to Policy LL2 of the Much Wenlock Neighbourhood Plan

Change of use of land for extension of existing Touring & Holiday Home Park with 61 pitches for static caravans/holiday homes and associated development, including access arrangements and internal roads, footpaths and landscaping

The Principal Planner introduced the application which was an application for the change of use of land for extension of existing Touring & Holiday Home Park with 61 pitches for static caravans/holiday homes and associated development, including access arrangements and internal roads, footpaths and landscaping and with reference to the drawings and photographs displayed, she drew Members’ attention to the to the location and layout.

The Principal Planner confirmed that members had attended a site visit and drew attention to the information contained in the schedule of late representations.

The Solicitor read a statement on behalf of Richards Castle (Shropshire) Parish Council against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees

Councillor Viv Parry, local Ward Councillor spoke against the application in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Scott Bracken, (Agent), spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

The Principal Planner advised members that it was proposed that the development would be carried out in two phases, the first phase consisting of all the groundworks and landscaping and the installation of the units to the east of the site, and the second phase – the installation of the units on the west of the site and that it was suggested that an additional condition be added to ensure this.

Members generally welcomed the scheme and the benefits it would bring to the local economy.  A Member asked that it be ensured that all caravans installed were of a suitable colour to ensure that they blended into their setting.

RESOLVED:

That in accordance with the Officer recommendation planning permission be granted subject to the conditions set out in appendix 1 to the report and the addition of the following conditions

·         A condition to ensure that that the caravans installed were of a suitable colour to ensure that they were not obtrusive

·         A condition to ensure that development will be carried out in 2 phases

Erection of an affordable home in response to an identified need for a local family and associated works.

The Area Planning Officer introduced the application which was an application for the erection of an affordable home in response to an identified need for a local family and associated works. and with reference to the drawings and photographs displayed, she drew Members’ attention to the location and layout.

Heather Coonick (Clerk) spoke on behalf of Clee St Margaret Parish Council in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees

Councillor Cecilia Motley, local Ward Councillor spoke in support of the application in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Dyanne Humphreys, (Agent), spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Members felt that there was an identified need for the dwelling and that Cockshutford constituted a settlement and thus the application was compliant with policy.

A Member suggested that the wording of the policy should be addressed to take into account the types of settlements that are in South Shropshire as a lot of the recognised settlements fell outside the definition contained in the policy.

RESOLVED:

That contrary to Officer recommendation planning permission be granted and that delegated authority be given to officers to agree a Section 106 agreement and to apply conditions as necessary

RESOLVED:

That the Schedule of Appeals and Appeal Decisions for the southern area as at 14 November 2023 be noted.

To note that the next meeting of the Southern Planning Committee will be held at

2.00 pm on Tuesday 12 December 2023  in the Shirehall.

RESOLVED:

That it be noted that the next meeting of the South Planning Committee will be held at 2.00 pm on Tuesday, 12 December 2023 in the Shirehall.