Variation of condition 1 (approved plans) and condition 2 (footpath, access and parking) attached to planning permission reference  14/04893/FUL dated 11/05/2015 to reduce the length of the proposed roadside footpath.

The Technical Specialist Planning Officer introduced the application for the variation of condition 1 (approved plans) and condition 2 (footpath, access and parking) attached to planning permission reference 14/04893/FUL dated 11/05/2015 to reduce the length of the proposed roadside footpath.  Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters.

Reverend David Slim on behalf of local residents spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Councillor Roger Jones, on behalf of Myddle, Broughton and Harmer Hill Parish 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 Brian Williams, as local ward councillor, made a statement and then moved to the back of the room, took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item. During their statement, the following points were raised:

·         Although not a material planning consideration, local residents felt let down by the developer;

·         The extension of the footpath had been included in the original proposals, to ensure a better and safer route for pedestrians traveling north and including access to the popular and recently constructed children’s playground;

·         The Parish Council were planning to use CIL funds to further extend the footpath to the playground;

·         The road was extremely busy and fast moving; and

·         Urged the Committee to reject the application on the grounds of road safety.

Mr Andrew Jones, 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 felt that the loss of the footpath would be detrimental to the safety of pedestrians accessing the local community facilities including the bus stop and children’s play area and would discourage walking and the use of public transport which contribute to the Council’s carbon reduction targets. Furthermore, the proposal would not enhance the street scene and community cohesion.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, Members of the Committee agreed unanimously to refuse the application, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the reasons set out below. 

RESOLVED:

That permission to vary condition 1 (approved plans) and condition 2 (footpath, access and parking) attached to planning permission reference 14/04893/FUL dated 11/05/2015 to reduce the length of the proposed roadside footpath be refused, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation using the following reasons:

In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority the loss of the footpath would be detrimental to the safety of pedestrians accessing the local community facilities including the bus stop and children’s play area and would discourage walking and the use of public transport which contributes to the Council’s carbon reduction targets. Furthermore, the proposal would not enhance the street scene and community cohesion. The proposed development would therefore be contrary to policies CS6 and CS7 of the Shropshire Core Strategy, policy MD2 of the SAMDev Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework.”