Issue - meetings
2200314OUTM - Land South of Fambridge Road, Burnham Road, and East West of Station Road, Althorne
Meeting: 16/10/2025 - District Planning Committee (Item 314)
PDF 1003 KBTo consider the report of the Assistant Director: Planning and Implementation, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
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Application Number |
22/00314/OUTM |
|
Location |
Land South of Fambridge Road, Burnham Road, and East West of Station Road, Althorne |
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Proposal |
Outline planning application with all matters reserved except for access, for a phased mixed use development including: Up to 550 dwellings (Class C3) including affordable housing; Up to 1,000sqm commercial space (Use Class E); Early years facility (Use Class E(f)); Education provision (Use Class F1(a)); A 16ha District Park; A 3.3ha Local Park ; Allotments Access enhancements and associated development. |
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Applicant |
Mr Ian Holloway – DMJ Althorne |
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Agent |
Ms Bethan Haynes - Lichfields |
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Target Decision Date |
21.10.2025 (Extension of time agreed) |
|
Case Officer |
Fiona Bradley |
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Parish |
Althorne |
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Reason for Referral to the Committee / Council |
Major Development of Strategic Interest Departure from the Local Plan Environmental Impact Assessment |
It was noted from the Members’ Update that the Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) had been undertaken by the Council’s Ecology consultant and was summarised in the Update.
Following the Officers’ recommendation Mr Singh an objector, Councillor Burgess (speaking on behalf of Althorne Parish Council), and Ms Haynes the Agent addressed the Committee.
Councillor M G Bassenger, a Ward Member, expressed concern regarding the proposed development, commenting on the character of the surrounding area, access to the site, the unsustainability of Althorne village, and the lack of facilities within the small village. He then proposed that the Officers recommendation of refusal be agreed. This was duly seconded.
During the debate that followed, Members discussed the application, with a number of concerns being raised regarding the proposal. In particular the:
· proposed introduction of a large scale residential development outside of the Althorne settlement boundary. It was noted that Althorne was a small village with limited facilities, employment and services.
· location of the site and access to public transport, the site would by reliant on use of cars.
· adjacent highway, including vehicle speeds along the road and related accidents.
In response to questions, including a reason for refusal relating to sustainability, the Development Management Team Manager advised that should Members be mindful to refuse the application an additional reason for refusal could be added relating to the sustainability and scale of the development. She explained that if agreed the Committee would need to nominate a Member to work with officers should the decision be appealed. At this point, Councillor W Stamp nominated Councillors Bassenger A Fittock and herself.
In light of the earlier discussions, the Chairperson proposed that the Committee agree the additional reason for refusal to the Committee. This was duly seconded. The Officer clarified that the reason would be drafted and agreed in consultation with the Chairperson of the Committee and Councillor Stamp.
Following further discussion, the Chairperson moved the Officers’ recommendation of refusal with the additional reason for refusal relating to sustainability and the scale of the development. Upon a vote being taken this was duly agreed.
RESOLVED that this application be REFUSED subject to the following reasons:
1. The proposed development is beyond a settlement boundary where development plan policies seek to ... view the full minutes text for item 314