Issue - meetings

Erection of 41 no. residential dwellings, open space, allotments, parking, access and landscaping.

Councillor Scott, who was present in the public gallery, had earlier declared for the public record that he was one of the local Ward Councillors for Planning Application 18/01884/FUL.

Councillor Wiggins, who was present in the public gallery, had earlier also declared for the public record that she was one of the local Ward Councillors for Planning Application 18/01884/FUL.

It was reported that, following the approval of planning application 14/01292/OUT on this site for 20 units, a community hall, playing field and allotments, a further housing development at Charity Field, Elmstead Market, had been allowed on appeal which had also made provision for a new community hall, allotments and public open space. Therefore, following the Charity Field approval the applicant had approached the local Parish Council to ascertain which location would be preferable for the new community hall and playing field. Consequently, the Parish Council had formed a sub-committee which advised the applicant that the Charity Field site would be the preferred option and as a result the Charity Field applicant had advised this Council that it would be their intention to develop a new community hall as part of their development alongside an area of open space.

It was further reported that it was the applicant's intention to include a financial contribution of £400,000 to assist in the delivery of a fully functioning community hall on the Charity Field site, whilst utilising the remaining land for the provision of additional housing.

Members were informed that Officers were content that subject to the imposition of reasonable planning conditions and Section 106 planning obligations that the general principle of this level of development on the site was acceptable. It was in keeping with both the site’s location on the edge of the village along with the need to facilitate on-site strategic landscaping, open space and the retention of existing landscape features. Furthermore, the proposal would ensure that the living conditions of existing and future residents would be protected from any materially detrimental impacts whilst significantly boosting housing supply within the District in line with the Council’s own emerging Local Plan.

The Committee had before it the published Officer report containing the key planning issues, relevant planning policies, planning history, any response from consultees, written representations received and a recommendation of approval.

At the meeting, an oral presentation was made by the Council’s Temporary Planning Team Leader (TF) in respect of the application.

An update sheet had been circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of amendments to Conditions 12 and 22.     

Mr Fairweather, on behalf of the Community Centre Committee, spoke in support of the application.

Councillor Paul Beard, the Chairman of Elmstead Market Parish Council, spoke on the application.

Councillor Scott, a local Ward Member, spoke on the application.

Robert Pomery, the agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Bray, seconded by Councillor Alexander and unanimously RESOLVED that the Head of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 80