Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Crabb, Fowler, Knight, Lane, Leaver and Mackie.  Councillor Biederman substituted for Councillor Mackie and Councillor Lofthouse substituted for Councillor Leaver.

Following a question from Councillor Yabsley in relation to minute 86 of the meeting held on 13^th March 2019, the Head of Place confirmed that in accordance with the minute the Chair of the Committee had been consulted on the precise wording for the reasons for refusal regarding planning applications 64059, 64060, 64061, 64062 and 64063 which would be appended to the decision notice issued.

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There were no declarations of interest announced.

The Committee considered a report by the Head of Place (circulated previously – now appended).

The Lead Planning Officer reported the receipt of four late letters of objections from Mish Ward, Elaine Cockerton, Lynn Davey and Mick Chapple.  She also reported the receipt of a letter from Devon County Council Lead Local Flood Authority who had now withdrawn their objection and recommended approval subject to a condition being imposed that the development be in accordance with the latest flood alleviation scheme.

Mr Ian Capon (objector), Mr Ian Crawford (objector), Mrs Lorraine Capon (objector), Michelle Ward (objector), Miss Sue Ball (objector), Sue Kingdom (representing Fremington Parish Council) and Mr Tim Waters (agent) addressed the Committee.

Councillor Helen Walker (Ward Member) addressed the Committee.

In response to a question, the Lead Planning Officer re-iterated that it was a reserved matters application for the primary school.  The outline application (53881) along with other sites for Linden Homes, Cavanna Homes and Glenwood Farm development had secured land to provide a long term strategic link.  The land was reserved and secured through section 106 agreements.   The Highways Authority would be required to take a decision regarding the provision of the strategic link.

In response to a question, the Head of Place advised that all new schools were free schools and Devon County Council could not grant consent for the numbers of students for this type of school.

In response to a question, the Lead Planning Officer advised that she did not have information in relation to the catchment area for the school.

The Solicitor reminded the Committee that it could only consider the reserved matters in relation to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale.  If the Committee wished to defer consideration of the application for a site inspection, there would need to be a valid reason and relate to the reserved matters.  If a decision was taken to defer consideration of the application for a site inspection for a reason which did not relate to the reserved matters, then the decision would be open to challenge.

In response to a question, the Lead Planning Officer advised that the reserved matter in relation to scale related to the site and position of the building.  There would need to be significant reasons to object to the design as it was of modest structure.  She suggested that the Committee may wish to consider making representations to Devon County Council regarding the need to undertake a review of the strategic road network and request that Devon County Council provide an investment strategy for the section 106 contributions secured through other developments.

Councillor Yabsley declared a personal interest as a Member of Devon County Council.

In response to questions, the Lead Planning Officer confirmed that the Highways Authority had not requested a traffic plan, however this could be included as a condition. The application was supported by a Transport Statement.  Although the Statement had been prepared in 2012, the plan took into account predicted travel movements for all proposed and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.