Agenda item

Application Proposal: Outline planning application for residential development consisting of 3 dwellings, with all matters reserved, except for means of access

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. He explained that planning applications had previously been refused on the site, however this application had a significant reduction in the number of houses, which was now for 3 dwellings. He advised that he had received no objection from the SCC Highways department. He advised the Committee that is was his recommendation that the application be approved.

Ms Hodder, Mrs Redman, Mr Briggs, Mrs Hocking and Mrs Elson spoke in objection to the application. Their comments included;

·         Planning applications have been consistently refused on this site due to problems with the access.

·         The access to the site is a 90 degree turn from the existing close.

·         A site visit should be undertaken.

·         The access will have a direct impact on the residents of numbers 4 and 5 Higher Kingsbury Close.

·         Cars will be accessing the site by driving very close to the corner of the house at 5 Higher Kingsbury Close, which would be dangerous.

·         Refuse bins might be stored close to existing properties if large refuse vehicles are unable to access the new site.

·         The new access will result in a loss of privacy to numbers 4 and 5 Higher Kingsbury Close.

·         The new homes will not enhance the village.

·         Application is contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework.

·         The extra load on the utilities could overload the system.

·         Large vehicles will have to reverse into the site.

Councillor Sarah Dyke, Ward Member expressed her concern and reservations over the application. It was her view that more houses on the land could be more beneficial and that the land had more to offer than 3 large dwellings. She also explained to members that she had concerns over the access and the vehicular noise which would result in a significant disturbance to residents of Higher Kingsbury Close. She suggested that the application be deferred to allow a site visit to be undertaken.

Following the discussion, it was proposed and seconded that planning application 16/02370/OUT be deferred to a future meeting of Area East Committee to allow a site visit to a take place. On being put to the vote, the proposal was lost 2 votes in favour and 7 against.

Members raised concern over the design and the access to the site. It was suggested that a turning area within the development would be welcomed as well as additional parking for existing residents.

Following the further discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved as per the Planning Officer’s recommendation, subject to an additional condition for the applicant to provide details of the refuse storage areas which would need to be agreed by the Local Planning Authority and an additional informant which requested additional car parking on site for existing residents of Higher Kingsbury Close.  On being put to the vote, this was lost 4 votes in favour and 6 against.

It was subsequently proposed and seconded that the application be refused contrary to the officer’s report. On being put to the vote, this was carried 6 votes in favour, 1 against with 3 abstentions.

RESOLVED:              that planning application 16/02370/OUT be refused, contrary to the Planning Officer’s recommendation for the following reason;

01.             The proposed access to serve 3 substantial dwellings would, by reason of its narrowness, lack of pavement, proximity to and relationship with the adjoining dwellings result in an unacceptable loss of amenity to the occupants of 4 and 5 Higher Kingsbury Close due to the increased and sustained traffic movements. As such the proposal is contrary to Policy EQ2 and TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan and paragraphs 14 and 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework

(Voting: 6 votes in favour, 1 against and 3 abstentions)