Erection of 18No. affordable dwellings and associated works.

The Planning and Enforcement Officer introduced the application for Erection of 18 affordable dwellings and associated works 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.

The Planning and Enforcement Officer drew Members’ attention to the Schedule of Additional Letters which included a representation from the Coal Authority noting that Condition 7 may need amendment in light of this representation.

Councillor Duncan Fletcher, Pontesbury Parish Council spoke in objection to 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 Nick Hignett addressed the Committee as the 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 his statement, a number of points were raised including the following:

·         Severn Trent Water and the SC Drainage Team comments were incorrect as flooding had occurred in this area last year;

·         Properties further downhill will be vulnerable as a result of this development and culverts were required in this area; and

·         Properties in Mary Webb Close had seen their insurance policy premiums increased following flooding last year.

Phil Oliver, Architect on behalf of the applicant spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

In response to comments raised by the speakers, the Planning and Enforcement Officer explained that a drainage scheme had been submitted and Severn Trent Water had stated that the plans were acceptable and approval had been given by WSP.

At this point in the meeting, Councillor Alex Phillips noted that his Father was a director of the Housing Plus Group which was linked to Severnside Housing and therefore left table, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.

In response to a concern raised regarding the use of netting to prevent birds from nesting in trees and hedges, the Area Planning Manager suggested that Condition 8 could be amended to require that the Construction Management Plan provides for any intention to use netting on trees and hedges to prevent birds from nesting to be agreed by the Ecology Team.

Having considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all the speakers, Members unanimously expressed their support for the Officer’s recommendation subject to an amendment to Condition 8 to require that the Construction Management Plan provides for any intention to use netting on trees and hedges to prevent birds from nesting to be agreed by the Ecology Team.

RESOLVED:

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

•   The conditions recommended in appendix 1 and any modifications to these conditions deemed necessary;

•   The signing of a Section 106 agreement to secure the affordable housing in perpetuity; and

•   An amendment to Condition 8 to require that the Construction Management Plan provides for any intention to use netting on trees and hedges to prevent birds from nesting to be agreed by the Ecology Team.