Agenda item

Report No: DEV/FH/18/025

Reserved Matters Application - Submission of details under DC/14/2203/OUT - the means of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the construction of 30no. dwellings with associated access

Reserved Matters Application - Submission of details under DC/14/2203/OUT - the means of appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the construction of 30no. dwellings with associated access

This application was referred to the Development Control Committee in light of an objection from the Parish Council, which was contrary to the Officer recommendation of approval, subject to conditions as set out in Paragraph 13.1 of Report No DEV/FH/18/025.

Members were advised that this reserved matters application followed the grant of outline permission (with all matters reserved apart from access) for up to 34 dwellings with associated roads, paths and access to the public highway.  A Member site visit was held prior to the meeting. 

During the course of the application amendments had been made to the scheme, including changes to the layout and design to better preserve the area of open space and protected trees to the North, and to address Highways’ concerns.  Additional supporting information had also been provided in respect of ecology and drainage.

Since publication of the agenda supplementary papers had been circulated which related to the Council’s standard water efficiency condition.

As part of her presentation, the Principal Planning Officer drew attention to the following:

·         A minor amendment to the entry way which was shown on amended plans;

·         Two additional conditions to be included in the recommendation in respect of a Highways Management Plan and a Highways Lighting Plan;

·         The proposal for the front boundary low wall which the Conservation Officer considered acceptable; and

·         The proximity and connectivity to the Meddler Stud site application (as granted by the Committee under the previous agenda item).

The Officer also advised that Suffolk County Council Highways had confirmed that they would not be adopting the highways within the site, however it was not unusual for elements of schemes like the one before Members not to be adopted.

Speakers:    Councillor Malcolm Baker (Chairman, Kentford Parish Council) spoke against the application

                   Mr Chris Smith (agent) spoke in support of the application

Councillor Roger Dicker was invited to address the meeting by the Chairman, in his capacity as Ward Member (South) for the application.  Councillor Dicker made reference to the linkage between the application site and that of the Meddler Stud approved application.  He considered that the ability for pedestrians and cyclists to travel across the village away from the highway (Bury Road) to be a key benefit. 

Councillor Simon Cole also made reference to the foot/cycle way linkage between the two sites.  He asked if, in light of the Meddler Stud application having now been approved, the arrangements for this connectivity could be assured by the applicants.  The Case Officer stated that she would ensure that this was confirmed.

Councillor Carol Lynch proposed that the application be approved, as per the Officer recommendation and inclusive of the two additional conditions relating to Highways management and lighting.  This was duly seconded by Councillor David Bowman.

Upon being put to the vote and with 10 voting for the motion and with 1 abstention, it was resolved that

Decision

Planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1.   Approved plans;

2.   Access in accordance with KEN4 003 RevN with entrance width of 5.5m;

3.   Construction and surfacing of access road;

4.   Refuse/Recycling bins as shown on drawing number KEN4 003 Rev N;

5.   Areas for parking and turning as shown on KEN4 003 Rev N;

6.   Deliveries management plan;

7.   Secure cycle storage;

8.   Sustainability Measures;

9.   Water consumption for dwellings;

10.Recommendations of Ecology Report;

11.Hedgehog permeable fencing;

12.Highways Management Plan; and

13.Highways Lighting Plan