Agenda item

19/00709/OUT - Land At Sycamore Farm, Barton Road, Keinton Mandeville

Meeting of Area East Committee, Wednesday 14th August 2019 9.00 am (Item 52.)

Minutes:

Application Proposal: Outline application for the erection of five dwellings.

The Planning Specialist presented his report to members. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he displayed images to show photographs of the site and plans to show the location of the site. He also provided images to show the indicative layout of the proposed dwellings. He also pointed out the position of dwellings that were being constructed on land adjoining the site.

He explained to members that there had been some local concern that the dwellings would merge the village of Keinton Mandeville with Barton St David. He added that the site was considered to be in a sustainable location and was considered to be suitable for this level of development.

He also pointed out that there were no objections from SCC Highways or from the Environmental Health Team.

He explained that the application was for outline permission only, and that the final layout of dwellings could be amended.

He pointed out an error in the report. The reference to Sparkford should read Keinton Mandeville and pointed out that an additional condition should be added to ensure that a footpath along the front of the development is provided. He also explained that Sycamore House was not a listed building and that this was an error within the report.

A representative from the Barton St David Parish Council addressed the Committee. He explained that he was also representing the Keinton Mandeville Parish Council. He explained that both the parish councils objected to the planning application as the proposal would join two very different and historical villages. It would provide an undesirable ribbon of development and would affect the setting of a listed building and wall. He also expressed concern over pedestrian safety and the proximity of the dwellings to the existing farm buildings.

The planning agent addressed the Committee. He explained that the site was part of Keinton Mandeville and open views could be seen north of the proposed dwellings. He added that there was a clear visually and physical gap between the two villages. He suggested that it was a logical form of development between Sycamore Farm and the development which was being constructed on land adjoining the site. He explained that historically, the parish boundary was a further distance from the site.

He advised members that a pedestrian walkway would be provided along the frontage of the site. He also explained that the applicant had lived in the village for many years and that one of the proposed dwellings was a bungalow for him to move into and would also provide housing for other family members.

Councillor Paul Rowsell, Ward Member, spoke in objection to the application. He explained that there had been many new homes built in Keinton Mandeville and felt that this development would be too much for the village.

Councillor Tony Capozzoli, Ward Member, addressed the Committee. He explained that support should be given to local farmers. He also pointed out that the application was for outline permission only, and suggested that the final designs could be considered at a later date. He also pointed out that there was a development of housing which was currently being constructed on land adjoining the site.

In response to a question, the Planning Specialist confirmed that the footpath provided would run across the front of the site, which would include land within the applicants’ ownership only.

During the discussion, one member felt that 5 dwellings was too many and felt that 2 or 3 dwellings would have been more acceptable. He also expressed concern that the footpath might not be constructed in the future.

Another member offered concern that the footpath could not be linked to existing footpaths and would be dangerous to pedestrians.

It was proposed that the application should be approved subject to conditions to ensure that local materials are used in construction, that the footpath should be included and that three of the properties should be tied to the existing farm.

Members also requested conditions to ensure broadband would be made available and that electric charging points should be provided.

In response to the suggested conditions, the Lead Specialist advised that a condition to ensure that a footpath was provided along the front of the development site could be added. However, he advised that conditions to secure the availability of broadband could not be added and that a condition to ensure electric vehicle charging points would be added at the reserved matters stage.

He confirmed that a condition could be added to an approval to stipulate that local materials should be used in the construction, but raised the need to double check what materials the houses being build adjacent were faced in to ensure consistency. He also advised that it would not be appropriate to tie the dwellings to the existing farm as there had not been any previous discussion with the applicant on this matter and that his agreement had not been sought.

It was agreed that the dwellings would not need to be tied to the existing farm.

It was seconded that the planning application should be approved subject to a condition to ensure that a footpath should be provided along the frontage of the site and a condition to ensure that local materials would be used in the design and construction.

On being put to the vote, this was carried 7 votes in support, 2 against and 2 abstention.

RESOLVED: that planning application 19/00709/OUT be approved as per the officer report, subject to additional conditions to ensure that local materials are used in the design and construction and that a footpath is provided along the front of the development site, for the following reason;

01. The site is in a sustainable location and very close to both the villages of Barton St David and Keinton Mandeville. The site can easily accommodate five extra dwellings with an appropriate density and design. The proposal therefore complies with advice contained with the National Planning Policy Framework and Policies SD1, SS1, SS2, SS4, SS5, TA1, TA5, TA6, EQ1, EQ2 and EQ4 of the South Somerset District Local Plan (2006-2028).

Subject to the following conditions;

01. The development hereby permitted shall be begun not later than the expiration of two years from the final approval of the reserved matters or, in the case of approval on different dates, the final approval of the last such matter to be approved.

Reason: As required by section 90(2) Town and Country Planning Act 1990

02. Before the development hereby permitted is commenced, properly-consolidated, drained and surfaced access(es) shall be constructed (not loose stone or gravel), details of which shall have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The access(es) shall therefafter be constructed in accordance with the agreed design and shall be maintained in the agreed form thereafter at all times.