To receive any questions relating to items on the Agenda from members of the public and replies thereto.
Minutes:
Dr Whittlesey speaking on behalf of West Manley Lane Conservation Group and referring to item 13 on the agenda (Tiverton Eastern Urban Extension Area A - Masterplanning - Land South of West Manley Lane) referred to the proposed development South of West Manley Lane highlighted within the 2010 Allocation and Infrastructure Development Plan Document (AIDPD) and the adverse impact development in this area would cause and that there was a need to preserve and protect the area. He highlighted the one mile stretch of land which included the heritage trail, the railway line, the canal and Alisa Brook. He stated that in April 2015 the application for development on the Eastern Urban Extension was put before the Planning Committee, consideration was given to proposals for dwellings south of West Manley Lane. Following discussion the applicant had amended the red line which withdrew any development south of West Manley Lane. People therefore thought that this would be the end of it and therefore the area was safe from development. However the planning policy was never changed and 2 ½ fields were still open for development. He asked what would happen to this area when Area B was developed, the existing houses south of West Manley Lane would still be at risk, and why were officers still supporting development south of West Manley Lane? He asked that this area be removed from the masterplan.
Mr Collier again referring to item 13 on the agenda stated that there were concerns that proposals for housing south of West Manley Lane were back on the agenda. He referred to the Planning Committee decision in 2015 and stated that the Council had voted to amend the policy. Elected Members had made the decision on behalf of the residents. He stated that he had lived in West Manley Lane for 40 years, at that time there were 4 farms in the area, fields and cattle remained. He stated that the railway walk and the canal were used for walking and come the spring the hedgerows would come to life making the roads very narrow and difficult for vehicles to pass. He felt that the area south of West Manley Lane needed to be protected and that no development should take place.
Mr Pilgrim again referring to Item 13 on the agenda and speaking from a canal prospective highlighted the importance of the buffer between the proposed development and the canal. West Manley Lane was a natural boundary and he had concerns for the vista of the canal and did not want to see development creep towards the railway line and the canal and wanted the buffer zone to be preserved. From the report he felt that officers were trying to pressurise Cabinet Members not to amend the masterplan as further consultation would be required and that this would be expensive. He urged the Cabinet to amend the masterplan and remove any possible development south of West Manley Lane.
The Chairman stated that these views would be considered when the item was debated.