To consider the overarching S106 package between the three planning applications detailed above, which together constitute the first phase of development at the NW Cullompton urban extension.
Minutes:
The Committee had before it a * report of the Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration considering the overarching S106 package between the three planning applications currently under consideration.
The Area Planning Officer outlined the contents of the report explaining that the 3 applications for North West Cullompton were all intertwined via the proposed Section 106 Agreement. Agenda items 7 and 8 had already been determined subject to the acceptance of the S106 agreement. Item 9 on the agenda had been deferred from the previous meeting for consideration of various issues raised and therefore required determination.
She referred members to the revised recommendations within the report highlighting the timing, funding and delivery of the linking road through the application site, the offsite highway works proposed, which included the pedestrian footway and crossing in Willand Road, the traffic calming proposals and the footpath extension in Millennium Way to link to the bus stops; the financial contribution to the Town Centre relief road, the land for the primary school and other education contributions, the expansion of the doctors surgery, the provision and maintenance of the Rull Hill green infrastructure, the upgrade to the existing public rights of way and the creation of a health garden. She also outlined the proposals within Phase II of the development, that of: the contribution towards the bus improvements, recycling facilities, the community building, the additional sports pitch, allotments, the second community orchard and the additional footpath extension works in Millennium Way. She added that the S106 agreement would be apportioned in the event that one or more of the applications in question did not come forward for development.
The Head of Planning, Economy and Regeneration then responded to questions posed in public question time with regard to the amount of affordable housing proposed within Phase 1 of the development, she stated that there were clear reasons why 10% of affordable housing had been proposed during Phase 1, extensive discussions had taken place with regard to the provision of a large amount of infrastructure during this phase, that of the new road through the development and the contribution towards the Town Centre relief road as well as education contributions as previously explained. There had been a large amount of front loading in respect of these additional requirements in Phase 1 hence she felt that there was justification for 10% affordable housing. With regard to the provision of Council houses and planning policy, the committee were required to consider the development plan policies and material considerations, not the corporate approach nor the workings of the Housing Revenue Account.
Consideration was given to:
· The contributions to the Education Authority (DCC) and the timetable for the provision of the new school
· Whether to include consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee and Ward Members with regard to any apportionment required of the various obligations between the 3 individual Section 106 agreements and the exact composition of the Rull Hill green infrastructure
· The view of the applicants representative with regard to the amount of work that had taken place with the Local Planning Authority and the community over 6 years which had included the provision of a masterplan for development, the additional upfront costs that were required for infrastructure within Phase 1 of the development, the change in the construction access to the site which now did not include St Georges View, the development of the school and the total cost of the package which was proposed. 60 affordable houses were still proposed as well as the additional infrastructure and that the development on completion would deliver 300 affordable homes.
· The views of the representative from the Town Council who stated that the Town Council had agreed the principle of development in the area and supported the detail of the S106 agreement
· The view of one of the Cullompton Members who was disappointed at the amount of affordable housing being proposed
At this point the Chairman indicated that she felt that a decision on the S106 package should take place following consideration of the following application.
Notes:
(i) Mr Turner on behalf of the applicants spoke;
(ii) Cllr Guest spoke on behalf of Cullompton Town Council;
(iii) Cllr Mrs E M Andrews spoke;
(iv) * Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes;
(v) The following late information was provided:
HIGHWAY AUTHORITY – 9th September 2019
The Highway Authority has looked at the time taken to reach the Station Road roundabout from the site via various routes and the journey time to the roundabout via Head Weir Road is longer than using the roundabout at Millennium Way. It is for this reason that traffic calming has been requested for Saxon Way to increase journey times and dissuade its use. As Head Weir Road takes longer than the preferred route, there is no reasonable reason to seek further restrictions.
Supporting documents: