Issue - meetings

Variation of condition 4 of 15/00761/OUT to change parameter plans. [Related to the outline application with all matters reserved, other than strategic access points onto the public highway, for the erection of up to 300 dwellings, up to 2 hectares of employment land (A2/A3/B1/D1 uses), with associated public open space and infrastructure].     

Councillor Baker had earlier declared an interest in relation to this Planning Application insofar as he was predetermined. He therefore withdrew from the meeting whilst the application was being considered and determined.

Members were reminded that this land off Long Road and Clacton Road, Mistley already had outline planning permission for 300 homes and 2 hectares of employment land. That planning permission had been granted subject to a number of planning conditions including that any detailed plans for the site needed to be in general conformity with the submitted parameter plans which identified, broadly, the location of housing, commercial development and open space as well as the proposed height of development.

The Committee was informed that the planning application now before it sought to vary the parameter plans in order to allow the development to take place in a different way to that originally envisaged. The revised plans sought to:

·                     Reduce the overall amount of open space;

·                     Enlarge the area of land on which homes will be built;

·                     Apply a height limit across the whole site of 2.5 storeys or 13 metres;

·                     Change the position of the proposed employment land; and

·                     Move the proposed access point onto Clacton Road further north.   

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 Head of Planning (CB) in respect of the application.

Parish Councillor Frances Fairhall, representing Mistley Parish Council, spoke against the application.

Councillor G V Guglielmi, a local Ward Member, spoke against the application.

Sam Bampton, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Hones, seconded by Councillor Heaney and RESOLVED that, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation of approval, the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to refuse planning permission for the development due to the following reasons:-

·      Impact on rural setting/landscape due to inadequate landscaping; and

·      Potential for 2 ½ storey/13m buildings anywhere on site is out of character with the surrounding area.