(Councillor David
Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item in light of
the fact that he had taken part in Haverhill Town Council’s
consideration of the application.
However, Councillor Smith stressed that he would keep an open mind
and listen to the debate prior to voting on the item.)
Planning application
- a. Sixty-six bed care home for the elderly including car park,
bicycle, refuse and garden stores b. new vehicular and pedestrian
access onto Anne Suckling Road (following demolition of existing
house)
This application was referred to the
Development Control Committee following a call-in
request from one of the local Ward Members Councillor Joe Mason
(Haverhill North).
As part of her detailed
presentation to the meeting the Principal Planning Officer drew
attention to a typographical error in Paragraph 166 of Report No
DEV/WS/21/010.
Reference was also made to the
supplementary ‘late papers’ that had been circulated
after publication of the agenda and which included the following
information:
• A paper from
the applicant responding to the Committee report;
• An indicative
amended site plan showing 40 parking spaces; and
• A zone report
providing information on existing care homes in a five-mile
radius.
The written response and
amended site plan sought to address the concerns raised by the
Highway Authority in respect of the number of parking spaces, the
width of the access road and the required visibility splays.
However, the Committee was informed that the content of the late
papers had resulted in no change to the assessment and
recommendations made in the Officer’s report.
Lastly, Members were advised
that since the late papers were produced additional neighbour
objections had been received in respect of the application raising
concerns previously covered in other representations.
Officers were recommending that
the application be refused for the reasons set out in Paragraph 173
of Report No DEV/WS/21/010.
Speakers: Ian Sheppard
(neighbouring objector, also speaking on behalf of fellow resident
objectors Bill Reynolds, Brad Strachan, Mike Ford and Julie
Goodwin) spoke against the application
Councillor Elaine McManus (Ward Member: Haverhill North) spoke
against the application
Tracey Spencer (agent) spoke in support of the
application
A number of Members spoke on
the application, largely voicing support for the Officer’s
recommendation of refusal.
In response to a question
regarding the need for care homes, the Principal Planning Officer
explained that a parcel of land had been allocated for such a
development as part of the Great Wilsey Park masterplan.
Following comments made
concerning the removal of trees that would be required to
facilitate the development, the Chair invited the Council’s
Arboricultural Officer to address the meeting.
Councillor Jason Crooks spoke
on the impact the development would have on the character and
identity of the area. Accordingly, he proposed that the application
be refused, as per the Officer recommendation. This was duly seconded by Councillor Johns
Burns.
Upon being put to the vote and
with 14 voting for the motion and 1 against, it was resolved
that:
Decision
Planning permission be
REFUSED for the ...
view the full minutes text for item 127.