Issue - meetings

The Committee received the reports of the Director of Planning and Regulatory Services and determined the following planning applications, having taken into account all representations and consultation replies received, including those listed on the Members’ Update circulated at the meeting.

It was noted from the Members’ Update that an additional letter had been received from Helen Weldon, 42 The Causeway, Maldon, objecting to the application.

Following the Officer’s presentation of the report, Ms Helen Weldon, an Objector and Mr Mark Plummer, the Applicant addressed the Committee.

A debate ensued regarding loss of outlook, design and build being out of character with the area and consequences of new build on a flood zone.

Councillor M R Pearlman proposed that the application be rejected in accordance with the recommendations of the Officer and this was duly seconded and agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1.       The application site is located in Flood Zone 3a and Fluvial Flood Zone 2 which has high and medium probability of flooding, respectively. The proposal is for new dwellings which have a high vulnerability to flooding. The proposal fails the Sequential Test as the Council can demonstrate a five year housing land supply. Therefore, the flood risk associated with the proposed development is unacceptable, contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, the National Planning Practice Guidance and Policies S1, S5 and D5 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan.

2.       Given the height and position of the proposed building, the development would cause material harm to the occupiers of the neighbouring property (no.42) by reason of loss of outlook from this property’s first floor bedroom window which would face the proposed dwelling, which is the only window to this habitable room, contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, the National Planning Practice Guidance and Policy D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan.