Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION MANAGER

Erection of 9 dwellings (3 x 2-bed, 4 x 3-bed and 2 x 4-bed) including parking, landscaping and installation of vehicular access off of Chambers Lane (as amended by plan nos. PL003D, PL009A, PL108A _ L01A received 02/01/2024).

RESOLVED: That application 22/02205/FP be GRANTED planning permission subject to the reasons and conditions set out in the report of the Development and Conservation Manager.

Audio recording – 52 minutes 20 seconds

N.B Councillor Mick Debenham declared a personal interest and left the Council Chamber at 20:22

The Chair advised that Councillor Louise 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 20:22.

The Senior Planning Officer provided an update that:

·                     The comments from the Conservation Officer comments were now on the website, confirming no detrimental impact on the character.

·                     The nearby public house had no impact on the property development.  There was sufficient separation from the site and the nearby farm, with scrub to the perimeter.

·                     The Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA) had raised no objections and as the application was now for fewer than 10 units, there was no obligation to consult the LLFA.

·                     The site plan had been amended on the 5 March 2024.

The Senior Planning Officer presented the report in respect of application 22/02205/FP supported by a visual presentation consisting of photographs and plans.

The following Members asked points of clarification:

·                     Councillor David Levitt

·                     Councillor Nigel Mason

·                     Councillor Dave Winstanley

·                     Councillor Daniel Allen

·                     Councillor Tom Tyson

In response to the points of clarification, the Senior Planning Officer advised that:

·                     In the past this site has had four appeals, all which have been dismissed.

·                     This development was no longer on Greenbelt land.

·                     This was the second recent development in Ickleford and there was concern about the infrastructure in a small village and whether this is at breaking point.

·                     Larger development sites were asked to look at the cumulative impact of the site.  This did not apply to this site, which was seen as a “windfall site”. 

·                     There was a transport assessment submitted with this application.

·                     Sustainable energy ground source heat pumps would be installed in properties.

·                     The site would generate traffic during peak hours.  However, Highways had confirmed they had no concerns.

·                     The side of the carriage way would be widened with a footpath.

·                     The adjacent burial ground was protected under planning law and provided no concern to the development.

The Chair invited Parish Councillor Ray Blake to speak against the application. Parish Councillor Blake thanked the Chair for the opportunity and provided the committee with a verbal presentation including that:

·                     Residents were proud of this green setting, together with the nearby Plume of Feathers public house and cottages.

·                     The Local Plan had been adopted and the site was not consistent with national policy and contains much flora and fauna.

·                     The cemetery is a peaceful setting which would be compromised.

·                     There was insufficient room for exits and entrances to the development. 

·                     The area contains many wildlife corridors and Chambers Lane itself was narrow in places. This would provide problems for emergency vehicles and on site HGV.

·                     The parking for the development was also considered insufficient.

·                     The sewage system in the area will find the addition of properties impossible.  The area already floods  ...  view the full minutes text for item 185