Outline application with vehicular access (from Stone Drive and Lloyd Grove) to be determined for mixed residential development, public open space, earthworks, balancing ponds, landscaping, car parking and all ancillary and enabling works; demolition of one dwelling (18 Silvermere Park).          

The Principal Planner introduced the application and explained that the application had been deferred at the previous meeting in order that a schematic plan and details on how the drainage from the development would work and be managed to a satisfactory standard could be provided.  He drew Members’ attention to two additional neighbour comments relating to concerns regarding drainage and the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting which detailed an amended recommendation as a consequence of the Highways Agency raising no objections to the proposal.  He confirmed Members had undertaken a site visit on a previous occasion and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.  With reference to the drawings displayed, he drew Members’ attention to the location, indicative layout and SAMDev allocation area. 

A schematic plan and drainage technical note outlining the measures proposed to the Silvermere and the surface water drainage strategy for the proposed development area had been provided by the applicant and had been circulated to all Members prior to the meeting.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor Stuart West, as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement and then left the room and took no part in the debate and did not vote on this item.  He drew Members’ attention to the history of the issues relating to flooding and drainage in the area and reiterated his concerns in this regard. 

(At this juncture, the Vice Chairman took the Chair.)

The Floods and Water Manager summarised and provided clarification on the drainage and disposal of water and he considered that as a result of this development a betterment to the existing situation would be achieved.  In conclusion, he confirmed that Shropshire Council would continue to investigate the problems associated with drainage and flooding in the area.

Mr G Phillips, a local resident, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         He provided an overview and history of the culvert and continued to express his concerns with regard to drainage and flooding; and

·         There were two riparian owners (Shropshire Council and one householder) and these riparian owners had a duty of care to maintain the culvert and should investigate and repair when necessary.

Ms K Ventham and Mr A Bennett, the agents, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         At the last meeting it had been noted that the site would be suitable for development and the proposal was deferred for further information relating to drainage and this had now been provided; and

·         The development would not contribute towards any flood risk.

In the ensuing debate, Members noted the comments and concerns of all speakers and the majority of Members supported the proposal.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted as a departure and as per the amended Officer’s recommendation as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters, subject to:

·         Satisfactory agreement being reached on a Section 106 Agreement relating to affordable housing provision;

·         Contributions to the Travel and Movement Strategy for Shifnal and off site drainage works;

·         Maintenance of the town park/open space by an appropriate body; and

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, subject to Condition No. 1 being amended to read as follows:

“Reason: The application is an outline application under the provisions of Article 2(1) of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) Order 2010 and no particulars have been submitted with respect to the matters reserved in this permission.

(The Chairman returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair.)