Issue - meetings

RESOLVED: That application 23/02650/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager, with the addition of Condition 20 to read:

“Condition 20:

Prior to the first occupation of the first dwelling a scheme of sustainability measures for all the dwellings is to be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the Local Planning Authority and implemented on site.

Reason: To address the climate emergency in accordance with Local Plan Policy D1.”

Audio recording – 1 hour 38 minutes 32 seconds

N.B. Councillor Mick Debenham declared an interest and left the Council Chamber at 21:09.

The Chair advised that Councillor Peace was to speak as a Member Advocate against this item and would therefore move to the public gallery and not take part in the debate or vote.

N.B. Councillor Louise Peace moved to the public gallery at 21:10.

The Development Management Team Leader provided an update that:

·       A supplement had been published correcting errors on the report.

·       The agent had emailed a statement for the Committee which had been published on the 15 February 2024.

The Locum Planning Lawyer stated that the email from the agent was to be disregarded as it was submitted late.

The Development Management Team Leader presented the report in respect of application 23/02650/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·       Councillor David Levett

·       Councillor Tom Tyson

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Dave Winstanley

In response to the points of clarification the Development Management Team Leader stated that:

·       The had been objections from neighbours regarding the felling of a lime tree as stated under policy 4.3.19 of the emerging Ickleford Neighbourhood Plan however previous applications had allowed the felling of this tree.

·       There were still live applications granted for this site, including an application for 5 dwellings.

·       PV panelling was not included in the application but could be added as a condition.

·       Policy D1 would cover the addition of a new condition for an environmental management condition which could include PV panels, air pumps and renewable energy.

The Locum Planning Lawyer clarified that any new conditions would need a valid reason.

The Chair invited Parish Councillor Phillip Crowe to speak against the application. Councillor Crowe thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       Ickleford did not need any new developments, planning had recently been granted for 40 new dwellings as well as a development at Turnpike Lane as agreed in the Local Plan.

·       There were concerns regarding the lack of pavement in front of the development, which would be hazardous to pedestrians.

·       There was no provision for visitor parking on the site.

·       The sewerage system in Ickleford was Victorian and not sufficient for water deluges. 

·       Four years ago the land had been cleared in preparation of a development, this land had now been reclaimed by wildlife.

·       The development was not in keeping with the rural area.

·       The residents objected to this development.

In response to a point of clarification from Councillor Tom Tyson, Councillor Crowe confirmed that there was only a footpath on the opposite side of the road to the development.

The Chair thanked Councillor Crowe for his presentation and invited Mrs Kate Sargent to speak against the application. Mrs Sargent thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the Committee with a verbal presentation, including that:

·       This was the fourth application on this site.

·       Ickleford did not have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 175