Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Place, Planning and Growth, (copy enclosed, Addendum to be circulated)*.

The Addendum, circulated prior to the meeting, highlighted some typographical and other updates to the Officers’ report, including the receipt of nine further letters of representation.

Following the Officer presentation, the Applicant, Mr Hill, addressed the Committee.

During the lengthy debate that ensued, Members raised a number of questions regarding the application, and the following information was provided by Officers:

·                Concerns were raised regarding nearby junctions, particularly in relation to road safety. Members were advised that the Highway Authority had reviewed the applicant’s Transport Assessment (TA) and the highway information TA and plans had also been subject to a Road Safety Audit. The Highway Authority was satisfied that the proposed access would not result in an unsafe highway environment, subject to conditions. One of its suggested conditions recommended that a Traffic Regulation Order for Kelvedon Road be secured to reduce the speed limit to 30 miles per hour, thereby further improving safety and this is contained within the recommended list of planning conditions. The Officer explained that the Highway Authority did not identify that the application had a severe impact on the highway network, the Highways Authority was not objecting to the application, subject to conditions and a Section 106 requirement.

·                The Officer explained that whilst it would be desirable to have a through route to Catchpole Lane the application, as submitted, was for a cul-de-sac development, and the Committee had to determine the application based on this information.

·                In response to a question regarding a footpath connecting with adjacent sites, Members were advised that the plans submitted identified an area where a connection through to the adjoining site could be provided. However, this would be dependent on discussions with the applicant of the adjacent site which was subject to an existing extant planning permission.

·                A Local Equipped Area of Play would be provided, along with areas which would have pop-up play features. The proposed orchard would have biodiversity and ecology benefits. However, the Reserved Matters application would provide more detail in respect of these areas as well as landscaping. The provision of play equipment that would be inclusive for all children was also raised.

·                In respect of there being no emergency access on the plan, Officers advised that this would have been considered by the Highways Authority, which had not raised any objection. It was a statutory requirement in the UK for road access and layout to be built to accommodate emergency vehicles. As part  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6