Mixed residential development of 106 dwellings and associated public open space, internal highways, car parking, garages and landscaping with vehicular access from Gains Park Way.(Amended Description).

The Planning Manager North introduced the application for a mixed residential development of 106 dwellings and associated public open space, internal highways, car parking, garages and landscaping with vehicular access from Gains Park Way (Amended Description) and confirmed that the Committee had undertaken a site visit that morning to assess the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

Members’ attention was drawn to the information contained within the Schedule of Additional letters which included three letters of objection from members of the public.

Councillor Elliot Blackmore, on behalf of Bicton Parish Council spoke against the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.

Olivia Carr, 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.

The Solicitor confirmed that the application site was located in the Tern Division and clarified that the officer’s recommendation should refer to the Planning and Development Services Manager and not the Assistant Director.

The Planning Manager North, in response to comments made by the speaker for the Parish Council confirmed that although Severn Trent Water had not officially commented on the proposal there had been discussion in relation to drainage matters. He advised that if members were minded to approve the application authority should be delegated to the Planning and Development Services Manager to grant approval subject to confirmation from Severn Trent Water that the submitted drainage strategy was acceptable.

During the ensuing debate, members noted concerns in relation to highway safety and questioned why there was no condition to ensure the proposed pedestrian crossing on Gains Park Road was in place prior to the occupation of the dwellings. The Planning Manager North advised that the conditions could be amended to include reference to the proposed crossing on Gains Park Road if members considered this was appropriate.

The Planning Manager North, in response to comments from members, explained that the financial contribution to the Northwest Relief Road formed part of the SUE Masterplan and noted that the adopted policy does not require developers to provide bungalows. He added that officers were satisfied the scheme included a good range of dwellings.

Having considered the submitted plans and listened to the comments made by all of the speakers, members unanimously expressed their support for the proposal subject to Severn Trent Water having no objection to the submitted drainage strategy and the amendment to conditions to include reference to the pedestrian crossing on Gains Park Road.

RESOLVED:

That in accordance with the Officers recommendation authority be delegated to thePlanning and Development Services Managerto grant planning permission subject to:

·     The conditions as outlined in appendix one of the report and any amendments to these as considered necessary by the Planning and Development Services Manager;

·     The signing of a Section 106 agreement in order to secure provision of affordable housing, on site open space provision and a financial contribution towards the Northwest Relief Road;

·     No objection from Severn Trent Water in relation to the submitted drainage strategy; and

·     An amendment to the conditions to include reference to the proposed pedestrian crossing on Gains Park Road.