Agenda item

To consider the planning application and recommendations of the Chief Executive (copy enclosed, Members’ Update to be circulated).

It was noted from the Members’ Update that consultation responses had been received from Essex County Council Highways and Environmental Health along with a further letter of objection.  The Update detailed an additional condition to be included should Members be minded to approve the application.  The site map had been revised following concerns raised regarding the boundary and the Target decision date had also been updated.

Following the Officers’ presentation, the Agent Mr Hall addressed the Committee.

Councillor M W Helm, a Ward Member, referred to the previous application on this site which had been refused and felt that nothing had changed between that and this application apart from a recent COUPA application.  He proposed that the application be refused, contrary to Officers’ recommendation as the application did not comply with the Local Development Plan and was outside the village development boundary.  This proposal was duly seconded.

Councillor A S Fluker raised concern about the location of building and made specific reference to the additional roof lights and the proposed finish on the outside of the dwelling.  In response the Group Manager - Planning Services outlined a standard reason for refusal used and how if Members were mindful to refuse the application this could be included.

In response to a question regarding a COUPA application, the Group Manager - Planning Services explained that this was a prior approval application introduced by the Government to deal with change of use without needing planning permission, with the idea being to use redundant buildings.  He explained that whilst the Council had accepted the principle of a dwelling on this site planning permission had not been granted.

The Chairman then put the proposal in the name of Councillor Helm for refusal of the application.  Upon a vote being taken this was agreed.

RESOLVED that this application be REFUSED for the following reason:

1          The application site lies within a rural location outside of the defined settlement boundary of Steeple where policies of restraint apply. The Council can demonstrate a five year housing land supply to accord with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework. The site has not been identified by the Council for development to meet future needs for the District and does not fall within either a Garden Suburb or Strategic Allocation for growth identified within the Maldon District Local Development Plan to meet the objectively assessed needs for housing in the District. If developed, the site would be disconnected and isolated from the existing settlement and by reason of its location, it would provide poor quality and limited access to sustainable and public transportation, resulting in an increased need of private vehicle ownership. The development would therefore be unacceptable and contrary to policies S1, S2, S8, E1 and H4 of the Maldon District Local Development Plan (2017) and Government advice contained within the National Planning Policy Framework (2012).