Hybrid application for residential development of 65 dwellings; comprising Outline application for the erection of up to 58 dwellings with all matters reserved and Full planning application for the conversion of "Old Railway Station" building into 7 apartments with car parking, access road, public open space and associated works

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the hybrid application for a residential development of 65 dwellings; comprising outline application for the erection of up to 58 dwellings with all matters reserved and a full planning application for the conversion of "Old Railway Station" building into 7 apartments with car parking, access road, public open space and associated works. Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters which set out a correction to paragraph 6.6.1 of the report, minor changes to the planning conditions set out in appendix 1, the inclusion of extra conditions and further comments from the Council’s planning ecologist.

Councillor Judith Williams, on behalf of Ellesmere Town Council 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 Ann Hartley, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then left the table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During her statement, the following points were raised:

·         She supported the development of this brownfield site for housing and the conversion of the station building;

·         She had concerns relating to the access from Brownlow Road which currently served the Fullwood factory;

·         The development could potentially create over 100 additional vehicles using Brownlow Road and would also have a significant impact on traffic levels using Trimpley Street and the junction with Willow Street, all of these roads were major pedestrian routes to and from primary and secondary schools; and

·         Ellesmere welcomed new development particularly on a brownfield site, however the access arrangements and the consequent impact on pedestrian safety needed to be carefully considered in the future.

Darren Venebles, 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 expressed their support for the proposals, particularly the conversion of the station building, however it was felt that further discussions with the applicant in relation to future access arrangements would be beneficial.  In response, the Technical Specialist Planning Officer drew members attention to the comments from highways contained in the report and confirmed that it was recommended that the applicant enter into a suitable Section 106 Agreement to secure funding to be retained by the Council to assess the scale of impact and undertake the appropriate road safety works were required.

The Chairman commented that he hoped that at reserved matters stage the possibility of access to the Fullwood area could be taken into account should it become available in the future.

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 proposals, subject to further discussions in relation to future access arrangements.

RESOLVED:

That delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning Services to grant planning permission subject to:

·  The amended set of conditions as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters;

·  The applicant entering into a s106 agreement to secure an affordable housing contribution and £10,000 for highway works;

·  Further discussions with the applicant in relation to future access arrangements; and

·  The satisfactory resolution of any outstanding ecological issues.