Outline application (all matters reserved) for the erection of four dwellings to include one affordable dwelling.

(The Chairman, as the local ward Councillor for this application vacated the Chair and the Vice-Chairman, Councillor Paul Wynn presided for this item.)

The Principal Planning Officer introduced the outline application and drew Members’ attention to the schedule of additional letters. It was confirmed that Members had attended a site visit that morning and had assessed the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring properties and the surrounding area.

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

·         The development boundary for the village was clearly defined;

·         The site had always been outside the development boundary;

·         The area was very beautiful and picturesque;

·         The proposal would be imposing and dominate the village; and

·         The development would change the character of the village forever.

Mr David Parker, agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the proposal in accordance with Shropshire Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees during which the following points were raised:

·         Llanyblodwel was classed as a community cluster in SAMDev and therefore had accepted development;

·         There were no areas within the development boundary of the village available for development;

·         Referring to the Development Management policy he noted that alternative sites outside the development boundary could be used if needed;

·         The site was clearly part of the village and would round off the existing linear development;

·         The Parish Council had withdrawn their objection to the application and representations had been made in support of the application; and

·         The development would allow the village to grow by providing homes for young people. 

By virtue of the amendment made to Shropshire Council’s Constitution, as agreed at the meeting of Council held on 27 February 2014, Councillor Arthur Walpole 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:

·         Llanblodwel was a Parish and a village;

·         Local residents were concerned that the proposal would have an adverse effect on  the character of the area; and

·         Members faced an on balance decision between the opportunity of development to allow the village to grow and the need to protect the character of the area.

The Principal Planning Officer explained that the Development Management policy (MD3) referred to by the Agent would be given limited weight and was subject to certain criteria and would not be relevant at this stage.

During the ensuing debate the majority of Members expressed concern in relation to the harm that would be caused to the four heritage assets and considered that the harm would significantly outweigh the benefits of the proposal.

RESOLVED:

That Planning Permission be refused contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reason:

Members had carefully considered and weighed up the proposal and acknowledged the economic benefits that would flow from the construction works, the support the development would potentially afford to the Public House, the modest boost in housing supply and the social benefits that would arise from the provision of an affordable dwelling. However, they consider that the harm that would be caused, albeit less than substantial harm, to the significance of the four heritage assets would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the proposal. In coming to this view members have had regard to the NPPF and the statutory duty in respect of listed buildings and have afforded considerable importance and weight to that harm.

(Councillor Paul Wynn left the meeting at this point.)