Agenda item

Outline Application for the construction of up to 98 dwellings, public open space and supporting site infrastructure with all matters reserved apart from access.

Councillor Everett had earlier stated that, following advice provided by the Council’s Monitoring Officer he would declare’ a Non-Pecuniary Interest in relation to Planning Application 16/01169/OUT and that he would withdraw from the meeting when this item was considered due to the fact that he could be seen as being pre-determined on this application. Councillor Everett therefore withdrew from the meeting for this item.

Councillor Land, present in the public gallery, had earlier declared a Non-Pecuniary Interest in relation to Planning Application 16/01169/OUT by virtue of the fact he was the local Ward Member and the Chairman of Thorpe-le-Soken Parish Council.

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.

An update sheet was circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting with details of 30 further representations objecting to the application received from members of the public.

Andrew Mackintosh, a local resident, spoke against the application.

Thorpe-le-Soken Parish Councillor Simon Raftery, spoke against the application, which was contrary to the Parish Council’s previous submission of “no objection”.

Councillor Land, the local Ward Member, spoke against the application.

Richard Clews, the agent on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

Following discussion by the Committee, it was moved by Councillor Baker, seconded by Councillor McWilliams and RESOLVED that the Head of Planning (or equivalent authorised officer) be authorised to grant outline planning permission for the development, subject to:

a)   Within six months of the date of the Committee’s resolution to approve, the completion of a legal agreement under the provisions of Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 dealing with the following matters (where required):

·         Council/affordable housing;

·         Education contributions;

·         Public open space and play and its transfer and maintenance; and

·         NHS contribution.

b)    Planning conditions in accordance with those set out in (i) below (but with such amendments and additions, if any, to the detailed wording thereof as the Head of Planning (or the equivalent authorised officer) in their discretion considers appropriate):

(i)            Conditions:

1. Standard 3 year time limit for submission of reserved matters application;

2. Standard 2 year limit for commencement of development following approval of reserved matters;

3. Details of layout, appearance, scale and landscaping (the reserved matters);

4. Development in accordance with submitted indicative plans;

5. Development to contain up to (but no more than) 98 dwellings;

6. Highways conditions (as recommended by the Highway Authority);

7. SUDS and drainage conditions as requested by Essex County Council;

8. Hard and soft landscaping plan/implementation;

9. Ecological mitigation - wildlife/tree protection measures;

10. Construction methods plan;

11. Details of lighting, materials and refuse storage/collection points;

12. Archaeological investigation and report works;

13. Site lighting strategy;

14. Broadband; and

15. Noise assessment.

c)    That the Head of Planning be authorised to refuse planning permission in the event that such legal agreement has not been completed within the period of six months, as the requirements necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms had not been secured through a Section106 planning obligation.