Approval of reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) pursuant to permission 11/03087/OUTfor erection of 230 dwellings including affordable homes; associated garaging; creation of ecological area and play areas.

The Principal Planner introduced the application and with reference to the drawings displayed, drew Members’ attention to the location, layout and elevations.  

Members noted the additional information as set out in the Schedule of Additional Letters circulated prior to the meeting which detailed further comments from the Case Officer, the local Ward Councillor and Berwick Grange Residents.

Members had undertaken a site visit that morning and had viewed the site and assessed the impact of the proposal on the surrounding area.

In the absence of a speaker, Members noted the information as detailed in a statement from Berwick Grange Residents which had been circulated both at and prior to the meeting to all Members and the agent.   The statement outlined the detail behind their main concern/objection to the single point of access via Shillingston Drive.

Mr R Hodson, the agent, spoke for the proposal in accordance with the Council’s Scheme for Public Speaking at Planning Committees.  In response to a question from a Member, he stated that some dialogue had been undertaken with Shrewsbury Town Council and further consultation was planned.

In the absence of the local Ward Councillor, Malcolm Price, the Chairman read out the following statement:

“Please accept my apologies for not being with you in person I would however like to make the following observations regarding the Persimmon application for Shillingston Drive.

I am extremely disappointed to see that Persimmon has not included a second access point to the north of the site.  This was clearly the most important issue for the residents of Berwick Grange.  If this scheme is allowed to go ahead with only one access point you will effectively have over 500 houses on a dead end (cul-de-sac), one way in and one way out.  I can’t think of any other estate in Shrewsbury or Shropshire where this has been allowed.  There is generally always an alternative.  The lack of a second access point to the site is the biggest complaint of the local residents and if it were to be included this would remove the majority of objections.

My understanding is that an emergency access road has got to be installed to the north of the site as part of the scheme and clearly any road that is to be built for emergency services will need to be of a substantial nature and is therefore two-thirds the way to being the same as an adopted road.  Although technically not required, I feel it is in the interests not only in the existing residents of Berwick Grange but also the residents who will be purchasing the new Persimmon homes.

The other issue that concerns me is the very close proximity of the dwellings to the pylons and high voltage overhead power lines.  Although I can’t find any policy to indicate what is a safe distance for properties to be from such installations.

I ask Committee to consider my comments as part of their deliberations before making the final decision on this planning application.”

In response to questions from Members, the Principal Planner reiterated that access had already been approved; Highway Officers had raised no objections subject to the provision of an emergency vehicular access; and National Grid had raised no objections. 

In the ensuing debate, Members considered the submitted plans and noted the comments of all speakers.  Some Members expressed concerns with regard to the location and future maintenance of the play area and encouraged the developer to consult and take on board the comments of Shrewsbury Town Council.

RESOLVED:

That planning permission be granted as per the Officer’s recommendation, subject to:

·         The conditions as set out in Appendix 1 to the report; and

·         The Area Planning Manager (in consultation with Shropshire Council’s Housing Enabling Team) be given delegated powers to issue the decision subject to the final positioning of affordable units being agreed with the applicant in accordance with the Council’s adopted policy.