Agenda and minutes

The Chairman drew attention to the list of notices published on the back of the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs P A Channer CC, Miss M R Lewis and Mrs N G F Shaugnessy.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2018, (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED

(i)                  that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2018 be received.

Minute No. 751 FUL/MAL/01355 – Maldon District Council, Council Offices, Princes Road, Maldon

Councillor S J Savage wished it recorded that, in respect of paragraph three of this Minute, the request to determine the above named application under delegated powers had been refused by the Committee.

RESOLVED

(ii)                that subject to the above amendment the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 24 January 2018 be confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, other Pecuniary Interests or Non-Pecuniary Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraphs 6-8 inclusive of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

There were none.

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.