Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 20/01564/FP be DEFERRED for the following reasons:

Members deferred the decision but were minded to grant planning permission. They are looking for a package of measures to seek compliance with Policy HD5 of the Preston Neighbourhood Plan, many of which are already in the scheme, including EV charging points. There is discussion in the policy of water conservation, biodiversity and landscaping. Officers will work with the applicant to seek this submission and report back to Members with a report focussed only on these matters.

Audio recording – 1 hour 55 minutes 36 seconds

The Development and Conservation Manager presented the report in respect of application 20/01564/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

Mrs Diane Burleigh and Mr Robert Dedman thanked the Vice-Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee in objection to application 20/0154/FP.

Mrs Burliegh gave a verbal presentation including:

·                Although not a resident of Preston, she had a close association as a shareholder of the Red Lion Pub;

·                She was speaking with the agreement of Preston Parish Council;

·                She felt that this application did not comply with Preston’s Neighbourhood Plan, in particular Policy HD3, House Types, which the officer acknowledged in his report;

·                The application was for 4 and 5 bedroomed houses in a village where the average house price was in excess of £1 Million;

·                HD3 identified the need for houses suitable for families, local people and first time buyers rather than large houses;

·                There was also a need for bungalows for those downsizing;

·                This application failed to comply with HD4 which required development to take into account local housing need;

·                Although Preston Council acknowledge the need for low density housing, this was too low at 3 houses per hectare;

·                Two or three more houses would still enable appropriate landscaping and wildlife buffer zones whilst protecting the amenity of neighbouring properties;

·                It was concerning that the Preston Neighbourhood Plan, made in April 2020, had not been taken into account;

·                Paragraph 8.5 of the emerging Local Plan stated that applicants should be mindful of emerging and adopted neighbourhood plans;

·                The application should be refused as it did not meet housing needs or requirements of ecology or biodiversity.

Mr Dedman gave a verbal presentation including:

·                He lived in the property adjacent to the development and would therefore be the most affected;

·                The application area was in the green belt and in a conservation area;

·                There was a wealth of wildlife in the field including protected species.

The following Members asked questions:

·                Councillor Sue Ngwala.

In response to questions Mr Dedman advised:

·                There would be a roadway close to the living room and bedroom windows;

·                This meant they would see all of the vehicle on the property;

·                Only one small hedge was planned in between the development and their house.

The Vice-Chair thanked Mrs Burleigh and Mr Dedman for their presentations.

Mr Colin Eades thanked the Vice-Chair for the opportunity to address the Committee in support of application 20/01564/FP and gave a verbal presentation including:

·                The land was not in the green belt;

·                The land has been in the ownership o the applicant for twenty years

·                The number of houses could not be a factor when judging an application;

·                Highways, ecology waste etc either have no objection or objections can be overcome by conditions;

·                Is was normal for an application to have a few objections;

·                Preston did not lie within the green belt;

·                The site came within settlement limits;

·                The Councils lacked a 5 year housing supply and this development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47