Agenda and draft minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M F L Durham, J C Hughes, R H Siddall, S J N Morgan, E L Stephens and S White.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 August 2024 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 August 2024 be approved and confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B 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.

To consider the report of the Assistant Director: Planning and Implementation, (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated)*.

Following the Officer’s presentation, the Agent, Mr Davies addressed the Committee. The Chairperson then opened the floor for debate.

Members raised queries regarding the proposed development being in a sustainable location and the removal of the hedgerow. Officers confirmed that they had taken their cue from previous Planning Inspector decisions as detailed in the Officer’s report. The removal of the hedgerow to allow for vehicular access and, in particular, the required site lines for vehicular and pedestrian safety in accordance with the requirements of the highway’s authority, would have led to an unacceptable loss of hedgerow and a strong landscape feature for the village.

Councillor C P Morley proposed to refuse the application in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation, which was duly seconded and upon a vote being taken was agreed.

RESOLVED that the application be REFUSED for the following reasons:

1                 The site is located outside of a defined settlement boundary and is in open countryside, where policy constraints apply.  Future occupants of the site would be heavily reliant on the use of the car to gain access to everyday services and facilities and employment opportunities and as such the proposal does not provide a sustainable form of development. The proposal does not accord with the Councils spatial strategy contrary to Policies S1, S8, D1, H4, T1 and T2 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

2          The proposed development would consolidate built form along Woodham Road eroding the open spacious character which contributes to the street scene altering the existing rural character of the site. The proposal would result in material harm to the character and appearance of the site and surrounding area. The development is therefore contrary to Policies S8, and D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

3          The creation of a vehicular access in the location proposed when provided with the necessary visibility splays would lead to an unacceptable loss of hedgerow which is a strong landscape feature, and which is protected by a Hedgerow Retention Notice. The development is therefore contrary to Policies S8 and D1 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and guidance set out in the National Planning Policy Framework.

4.         In the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 269.