Report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding this application.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it a report * of the Head of Planning and Regeneration regarding the above application. She informed those present that this application had been considered at a meeting of the Planning Committee on 1 April 2015. The Committee had resolved that the application be deferred to allow for further consideration of the development approach to West Manley Lane in respect of access points, traffic and development on the southern side. She further explained that the applicant had sought to address these issues by:
· Submitting a new site location plan that removed the area of land south of West Manley Lane from the red line application site. This area was now excluded from the application.
· Having withdrawn plan C698/26 ‘West Manley Lane Access Layouts’. This plan which previously showed proposed access points both north and south of West Manley Lane was no longer part of the application.
Referring to the questions raised by Mr Welchman at public question time, the Head of Planning and Regeneration confirmed that in respect of his first question the explanation above did indeed confirm development of the land south of West Manley Lane had been removed from the application. In relation to deferring a decision on this outline application until after the general election she stated that the day to day running of a planning service could not be held up by an election: decisions still had to be made. Planning Committee was not political. Should there be a change of perspective with a new Government this would take some time to filter through. Decisions are made against the policies and planning guidance that exist on the day of decision. She saw no advantage in deferring a decision any further.
Discussion followed with regard to:
· Whether or not the applicant could apply to build on the land south of West Manley Lane in the future? The Head of Planning and Regeneration stated that it was not possible to pre-empt what the applicant might or might not submit in the future. Members and the public still had an opportunity until 27 April to submit formal representation regarding the Local Plan Review consultation and could further comment on this area should they wish to.
· A desire to see roundabouts being landscaped as this was a ‘garden development’. However, it was explained that the appearance, landscaping and detailed layout of roundabouts were reserved matters and would be dealt with at the next planning stage. A noise assessment would also be conducted at the next stage.
· The question was asked as to what the distance was from the last property in Post Hill to the first access point off the proposed roundabout, this was confirmed as being 9 metres to the back of the footpath.
It was therefore RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the signing of a Section 106 Agreement and the conditions as set out in the report.
(Proposed by Cllr K D Wilson and seconded by Cllr R L Stanley)
Notes:
i. Cllrs: D J Knowles and K D Wilson declared personal interests in that they had had significant meetings with local residents and objectors to do with this application and they knew the applicant.
ii. Cllr Mrs F J Colthorpe declared a personal interest as she knew the applicant.
iii. Cllr R L Stanley declared a personal interest as he had met with local residents and objectors regarding this application.-
iv. Sir Ian Amory (applicant) spoke;
v. Mr Sorenson (Devon County Council (Highway Authority)) spoke;
*Report previously circulated, copy attached to signed Minutes.
Supporting documents: