Agenda item

To consider an outline application with all matters reserved save for access, for up to 52 dwellings, with associated access, infrastructure and open space.

Resolved

That planning application 23/01470/OUT to consider an outline application with all matters reserved save for access, for up to 52 dwellings, with associated access, infrastructure and open space at Townsend Farm, Towns End, Stalbridge Road, Henstridge, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0RQ be APPROVED subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South).

Voting: 5 in favour, 4 against, 1 abstention.

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda report and with the aid of a Powerpoint presentation to highlight key elements of the proposal including: 

• Site location. 

• Access
• The principle of development
• Additional Off-site Highways Safety measures (agreed but not included in the published report)
• Statutory consultee responses

? 

He referred members to the key considerations of this proposal being the principle of development, design and impact on character and appearance of area, impact on residential amenity, highways, transport, access and parking, hedgerows and trees, ecology and biodiversity, flood risk and surface water/foul drainage.

? 

The application was recommended for approval subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South).

? 

Several members of the public addressed the committee in objection to the application.? Their comments included: 

• The plan does not align with SSDC Local plan policy TA5 and the increase in traffic from this development adds increased risk to pedestrian safety, particularly for walkers travelling to and from the local school.
• The proposed development does not align with SSDC Local Plan policy SD1 Sustainable development due to the lack of retail, employment and other services and facilities in Henstridge.
• The cumulative impact of this development, along with other recent developments in the area will put a huge strain on education and healthcare providers. The local school is currently at capacity.
• The proposed development will worsen flooding in the area, particularly on the A357 which floods frequently, and can be 3 feet deep at the entrance to this site.

? 

A representative of Henstridge Parish Council referred to the objections as detailed in the agenda report, with the main concern being the increase in traffic and highways safety.     

? 

The Division Members, Councillor Nicola Clark spoke in objection to the development, calling it another major development in a rural community that cannot support it, in a location where pedestrian safety is a serious concern. Councillor Hayward Bert also spoke in objection to the proposal, echoing the concerns he had heard regarding safety and flooding.

In response to the concerns heard by members of the public and other speakers in attendance today, the planning and highways officers in attendance advised that:

·         The scheme presented has been fully assessed and an independent Stage 1 Road Safety Audit undertaken. The assessments have highlighted the fact that there is no adverse safety comments made.

·         Regarding flood risk, the LLFA are satisfied that surface water issues can be addressed with a mixture of measures of surface water storage and rain water harvesting. 

? 

Members debated the application with mixed views about the planning considerations and objections before them. A councillor made a proposal to refuse the application, which was seconded, however when taken to the vote the proposal fell with 5 members voting against it. At the conclusion of the debate, the officer’s recommendation to approve the application was proposed by Councillor Seib and seconded by Councillor Patrick.? When put to the vote, the proposal was carried by 5 in favour, 4 against and 1 abstention. 

Resolved

That planning application 23/01470/OUT to consider an outline application with all matters reserved save for access, for up to 52 dwellings, with associated access, infrastructure and open space at Townsend Farm, Towns End, Stalbridge Road, Henstridge, Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0RQ be APPROVED subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South).

Voting: 5 in favour, 4 against, 1 abstention.