Issue - meetings

Outline application for the erection of up to 161 residential dwellings, involving the demolition of an existing dwelling (no.18 St Andrews Road to create a new access onto St Andrews Road, and associated landscaping and open space with some matters reserved (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale). (amended plans). Report by the Lead Planning Officer (Majors) (attached).

The Committee considered a report by the Lead Planning Officer (Majors) (circulated previously).

The Service Manager (Development Management) addressed the Committee and advised that:

·       The application consisted of the demolition of number 18 St Andrews Road and the building of 161 dwellings, with the access through the site of the demolished dwelling.

·       Correspondence had been received from the owners of Church Farm regarding the movement of vehicles alongside their property. Amendments had been made to the application to alleviate this.

·       Natural England were satisfied with the proposed access to the Tarka Trail on the provision that a condition was included to monitor and review the mitigation measures proposed. The Environment Agency confirmed thay had no objections subject to receipt of an updated Flood Risk Assessment and imposition of a condition to control finished floor levels. Delegated Authority to the Head of Planning, Environmental Health and Housing was sought to update the FRA and impose the above suggested conditions.

·       The site access had been reviewed by the Highways Officer and now had improved visibility and surface treatments. Development was now to be further from the western boundary than originally planned.

·       Although the site was initially considered within the North Devon and Torridge Joint Local Plant had been found unviable as there was no access. The demolition of 18 St Andrews Road had enabled it to be considered viable and had been approved with no concerns from Devon County Council (DCC).

In response to a question from the Ward Member, the Service Manager (Development Management) confirmed that the photographs presented had not been ‘doctored’.

The Service Manager (Development Management) advised that:

·       The site would provide a biodiversity net gain of over 44% which gave the application substantial weight.

·       Traffic headlight heights would be looked at in relation to lights shining into properties.

·       An Air Quality assessment had been submitted. The resulting effects of the development were deemed to be low and the levels were expected to remain at an acceptable standard.

·       DCC would use Section 106 contributions towards improvements to be made to the Esso garage junction.

·       There would be minimal tree loss and further planting.

Paul Hyde (supporter) and Cllr Graham Bell (of North Devon and Torridge Housing Crisis Group) (supporter) addressed the Committee.

Patricia Ward (objector), Diane Etheridge (objector), Helen Elder (objector), Nancy Child (Reading a statement on behalf of Derrick Slade) (objector), Deborah White (objector), and Kerry Slocome (objector) addressed the Committee.

Dan Yeates (agent) addressed the Committee.

Councillors Walker (Bickington) and Knight (Roundswell) addressed the Committee as objectors from neighbouring wards.  Councillor Biederman addressed the Committee as Ward Member.

In response to questions from the Committee, Paul Young of Devon County Council Highways confirmed:

·       Highways were opposed to the development in 2017 as there had been issues to be addressed, however it was now considered that the access met the minimum standards required. There was adequate room for commercial vehicles to pass and the footpaths met the required standards. The only reason for refusal from DCC would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4