Issue - meetings

Outline planning application (some matters reserved except for means of access and scale) for the erection of up to 33 dwellings, including affordable housing, public open space, landscape planting, sustainable drainage system and new access arrangements from the unnamed road.

This item was deferred at the previous meeting.

Late items received after publication of agenda:

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Revisions

Key policies Paragraphs 84 (isolated homes) and 91 (main town centre uses) of the NPPF (2024) do not apply to this development.

In accordance with key policy Paragraph 66 (affordable housing) of the NPPF (2024), the development provides a mix of affordable housing that meets identified local needs, as confirmed by the Council’s Affordable Housing Officer.

Paragraph 8.8 of the Committee confirms that the application site is considered to be in a sustainable location in terms of its access to day-to-day facilities and amenities. Therefore, the scheme is in accordance with key policy Paragraphs 110, 115 (assessing sites) and 129(b) (local market conditions and viability) of the NPPF (2024).

Whilst Paragraph 8.87 of the Committee Report highlights that the scheme is likely to result in some harm to the rural character of the site and the wider area, this harm is not considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme.

Given that the Council can no longer demonstrate a 5YHLS, further weight should be given to this application’s provision of 33 dwellings.

The revisions to the NPPF have altered the paragraph numberings referenced in the committee report. The paragraphs which have been revised in the latest edition of the NPPF, which have been included within the committee report are detailed below:

·                     Paragraph 225 of the NPPF is now Paragraph 232.

To summarise, these amendments are not considered to materially alter the planning balance of the Committee Report or the recommendation to approve this development in these site-specific circumstances in accordance with Paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF (2024).

Outline planning application for the erection of up to 33 dwellings, including affordable housing, public open space, landscape planting, sustainable drainage system and new access arrangements from the unnamed road.

It was moved by Councillor Allen that permission be refused due to the visual impact and concerns around highway safety. In the absence of a seconder, the motion was not put.

It was subsequently moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Allen that permission be granted with a note to applicant in relation to lowering the speed limit and introducing a one-way system on the unnamed road. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED –

(i)            Permission be granted subject to:

a.    The conditions outlined in the officer’s report

b.    The entering into of a S106 agreement relating to affordable housing, highway improvements, open space provision and management and the financial contributions outlined in the officer’s report

c.    The requested note to applicant

(ii)          The Head of Planning be granted authority to determine the final detail of planning conditions, obligations and drainage information;

(iii)         Leicestershire County Council as lead local flood authority confirming that it has no objections.

Having declared a non-registrable interest in the following item, Councillors Allen, Cook, Simmons and Smith left the meeting at 7.12pm.

Outline application for the erection of up to 33 dwellings including affordable housing, public open space, landscape planning, sustainable drainage system and new access arrangements from the unnamed road.

Late items received after preparation of agenda:

Recommendation:-

On 15 November 2024, the Applicant agreed to the following additional planning condition:

“Any forthcoming Reserved Matters application shall include details of external lighting across the site (including on any non-adopted highways and footpaths). This information shall include a layout plan with beam orientation, a schedule of equipment proposed in the design (luminaire type, mounting height, aiming angles and luminaire profiles), and details of its maintenance and operation. The external lighting shall then be installed, maintained, and operated in accordance with the approved details prior to the first occupation of the development.

Reason: To ensure a satisfactory form of development and to create places that are safe, inclusive, and accessible, which promote health and well-being, and where crime and disorder, and the fear of crime, do not undermine the quality of life or community cohesion and resilience in accordance with Policies DM1 and DM10 of the adopted Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document (2016) and Paragraph 135 of the National Planning Policy Framework (December 2023).”

Outline application for the erection of up to 33 dwellings including affordable housing, public open space, landscape planting, sustainable drainage system and new access arrangements from the unnamed road.

The agent spoke on this application.

A member expressed concern that the proposed development would be visible from a gateway into the town. It was moved by Councillor R Allen and seconded by Councillor C Allen that the item be deferred for a site visit to enable members to consider whether there would be visual harm as a result of the development. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – the application be deferred for a site visit.