Outline planning application (all matters reserved) for mixed residential development.

In accordance with his declaration at Minute No. 31, Councillor David Roberts left the room during consideration of this item and the meeting at this point. 

The Principal Planner introduced the application explaining that an appeal against non-determination had been submitted and therefore Officers were requesting a resolution from Committee as to what the decision would have been had the application been determined.

Councillor Edward Marvin, on behalf of Condover Parish Council, spoke against the proposal in accordance with the Council’s scheme for public speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         The application site was outside of the village development boundary and therefore contrary to the Parish Plan and the SAMDev document;

·         Station Road was a very narrow single access road with no public footpath, the line of sight onto Station Road was limited and as a result highway safety would be compromised;

·         The existing highways network was unsuitable and would not be able to meet the increase in traffic a new development would create;

·         Four other sites had already been approved within the village;

·         The site would encourage individuals to use their cars to access services and therefore have a harmful effect on the environment.

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Full Council held on 27 February 2014, and his declaration at Minute No. 31 Councillor T Barker, as the local Ward Councillor, made a statement, took no part in the debate and did not vote. During his statement the following points were raised:

·         Consideration should be given to the cumulative impact the development would have on the village of Dorrington;

·         The additional sustainability report produced by the applicant did not attempt to justify the cumulative impact of the proposed development;

·         He believed that the development should be considered unsustainable for the reasons set out at the previous meeting on 26June 2014. 

Ms. Charis Denham, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with the Council’s scheme for public speaking at Planning Committees, during which the following points were raised:

·         Dorrington was a sustainable location,

·         A pedestrian crossing would ensure that all services were accessible;

·         There was a regular bus service;

·         The development would supply a mix of housing type;

·         The proposed development was sustainable and complied with the NPPF and the Shropshire Council’s Core Strategy

In response to concerns raised by the local member in relation to cumulative impact, the Principal Planning Officer provided an update on the deliverability of other sites within Dorrington.

During the ensuing debate some Members expressed concern about highways safety and the cumulative impact of this and other developments on the village of Dorrington, however they acknowledged that the Council’s Highways Team had assessed the scheme and raised no objections.  The development was also considered to be sustainable and in accordance with the NPPF.

RESOLVED:

Following the submission of an appeal against non-determination, the Committee gave a resolution that they would have been minded to grant planning permission had a decision have been required, as per the Officer’s recommendation, and subject to:-

·  A Section 106 Legal Agreement to secure an off-site affordable housing contribution; and

·  The conditions set out in Appendix 3 to the report.