Outline Planning Application (Access to be considered) – for up to 80 dwellings, parking, landscaping, drainage and all other associated infrastructure.

Members were told that this outline application proposed up to 80 dwellings with only the site access to be considered at this stage. The site was located outside (but abutted) the Settlement Development Boundary. The Council’s lack of a five-year housing land supply had engaged the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development.

The Committee heard that the site had been included as a potential housing allocation in the emerging Local Plan. Technical matters which included highways, archaeology, drainage, ecology, landscaping and amenity had been demonstrated as acceptable or could be mitigated through conditions and/or a Section 106 agreement.

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 subject to conditions (and a Section 106 agreement).

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

An Officer Update Sheet had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting which informed the Committee as follows:-

“Great Bentley Parish Council further comments:

The council wanted it noted that this proposal now includes a draft Section 106 agreement providing financial contributions towards the village hall, and the operation of a new bus service for a period of two years. These measures would offer infrastructure benefits to the village and support sustainable transport options.

As per our previous comments this is a site recommended by the Parish Council for inclusion within the local plan, by moving the proposed site access away from the dangerous bend on Weeley Road, the applicant has taken into consideration the comments made previously. 

However, the site does remain located beyond the recommended catchment distance to the railway station, this could be improved if a pedestrian access was linked through their phase 1 into the pedestrian access through the Birch Estate to shorten this down which would also support pedestrian access to the school. 

Clarification regarding Paragraph 7.52 of the officer report:

Conditions 19 and 23 of 22/01818/FUL for Phase 1 and the associated legal agreement secure the footpath connection across the Phase 2 site to join the Public Right of Way. This should have been completed prior to occupation and retained in perpetuity. However, it remains outstanding due to the conflict with the construction compound and no public access to this part of the site.

If this Phase 2 application is approved, the footpath route is altered through the approval of reserved matters, and the development commences, the existing Phase 1 permission and legal agreement will need to be varied by a S73 application and deed of variation to secure the altered alignment of the footpath and triggers for its delivery, maintenance and retention in perpetuity. It would also be secured under any future Phase 2 reserved matters for Layout. This would ensure the previous obligations for Phase 1 are retained and the residents of both phases will benefit from a safe and direct connection  ...  view the full minutes text for item 76