Agenda and draft minutes

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

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Bown

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 10 December 2025 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 10 December 2025 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).

Councillor A S Fluker declared that he knew the applicant for 25/00706/OUTM – Land east of Birch road, Tillingham.

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

The Officer presented the report. Following this an Objector John Williams and the Agent Michael Wood addressed the Committee.

A Member then raised their concerns over this application making reference to the reasons for refusal on the previous application on the site which included:

·        The rural location of the site

·        The site being outside of the settlement boundary

·        Limited services, facilities and employment opportunities

·        The poor quality and limited access to sustainable public transport, which would mean an increase in traffic movements and private vehicle ownership

The Member believed that this new application had not addressed these issues and stated that it is contrary to policies S1, S2, S8, D1, T1, T2 and H4. They then went on to note that they believe the density design has still not been addressed stating they thought it was contrary to policies S1 S8 and H4.

A Member then raised concerns over the grade two agricultural land that the site was proposed on, wanting to know why this had not been given a more substantial consideration questioning what the officer had taken consideration.

The officer responded that the site is 1.78 hectares in size and there is no requirement to ask natural England for comment on land below 20 hectares leading to its limited weight.

Following this, issues were discussed with the design and location of the site. Concerns about the entrance and exit to the site were raised with reference to the size of the proposed access being too small; additionally they thought the single entrance to the site was not enough and would lead to loss of amenity to current residents.

The location was questioned with the Member stating it was in the wrong place in reference to the settlement to constitute good design.

Councillor M G Neall then Proposed that they refuse this application it was duly seconded.

Following this Councillor V J Bell proposed that the Committee approve this application this was not seconded.

Before a vote occurred, members had a discussion to clarify the planning reasons for refusal to ensure they were robust and relevant.

The Chairperson then  ...  view the full minutes text for item 440.