Issue - meetings

Outline application for the erection of up to 415 dwellings including landscaping, open space, drainage and associated infrastructure (outline – access only).

Late items received after publication of agenda:

Further to the deferral of application 24/00264/OUT at the August Planning Committee, Officers have met with the applicant of the proposal and highlighted the concerns Members raised with respect to the noise impact on existing residents in Hardy Close. The following noise mitigation measures to deal with any impact of the proposed roundabout access on the A47 have been agreed with applicant as part of a S106 legal agreement:-

-        A financial contribution of £60,000 to HBBC to provide a noise mitigation fund for the benefit of the owners of property numbers 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 Hardy Close, Hinckley.  On application to the LPA, the owners of the relevant properties can draw down against the fund (to a maximum £10,000 per property) for the following mitigation measures:

·         Replacement or upgraded glazing on the rear elevation of the property facing the A47, Normandy Way; or

·         Acoustic fencing along the property’s boundary with the A47, Normandy Way.

The contribution is to be paid by the developer prior to commencement of development. Any unspent sums of the noise mitigation contribution shall be repaid to the Owner/Developer, if not committed within 5 years of receipt by the LPA.

Outline application for the erection of up to 415 dwellings including landscaping, open space, drainage and associated infrastructure (outline – access only).

Whilst minded to approve the application, members felt that the position of the proposed roundabout was still inappropriate and that further attempts should be made to move it. It was moved by Councillor Bray and seconded by Councillor Bools that the decision be delegated to the Head of Planning following discussions on the position of the roundabout. Following further discussion, Councillor Bray, proposed an amendment that the reserved matters application be brought back to the Planning Committee, which was accepted by Councillor Bools as seconder. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED –

(i)            Members be minded to grant permission subject to

a.    Withdrawal of objection from National Highways

b.    A section 106 agreement in accordance with the heads of terms set out in the officer’s report and late items

c.    The conditions contained in the officer’s report.

(ii)          Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to issue the decision following further discussions in relation to the position of the roundabout;

(iii)         Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning to determine the final detail of the planning conditions and terms of the S106 agreement.

Outline planning application for the erection of up to 415 dwellings including landscaping, open space, drainage and associated infrastructure (outline – access only).

Late items received after preparation of agenda:

Additional comments received in objection:

We have now received 7 further objections against this application. The additional comments largely raise points already summarised in the committee report but several make specific reference to the location of the proposed access / roundabout. The comments note the impacts that its location has on residents of Hardy Close and the possibility of moving the access to include existing access points from the Admirals housing estate (Nelson Drive or Drake Way). It is suggested that such an access would offer a betterment to residents who currently struggle to exit onto the A47 via these junctions. Alternatively, it is suggested that if the roundabout cannot be moved in this way, it could be moved further north into the application site to avoid impacts on residents of the Admirals estate. The applicant has confirmed that they do not own all of the land required to deliver a roundabout at either Nelson Drive or Drake Way and that their design is the best option in terms of balancing other considerations such impacts on the segregated pedestrian / cycle route south of Normandy Way. Officers note that the Normandy Way junction is subject to heighted surface water risks, is the location of the proposed surface water drainage areas and such a change would negatively impact the ecology associated with the brook in that area. Finally, the Council is required to consider the access as proposed by the applicant, and the Local Highway Authority have not required these suggested amendments as they consider the proposals are safe.

Highways update:

National Highways have confirmed that they still require further modelling and trip generation information but that such information is ‘relatively minor’ and required to demonstrate how the impact on the A5 has been addressed. The applicant responded with further information yesterday and will continue to work with this consultee. Given National Highways’ current recommendation is deferral, Officer’s recommendation for this application is subject to an additional requirement as stated below.

Additional recommendation:

·         That planning permission is also granted subject to confirmation from National Highways that they recommend conditional approval.

Outline application for the erection of up to 415 dwellings including landscaping, open space, drainage and associated infrastructure (outline – access only)

Two objectors, the agent and a ward councillor spoke on this application.

Concern was expressed about the proximity of the proposed properties to existing gardens, noise impact and the impact on the junction of the A47 with Ashby Road. It was moved by Councillor S Gibbens, seconded by Councillor Cope, proposed the item be deferred to allow for more consideration and information in relation to the concerns raised. Upon being put to the vote, the motion was CARRIED and it was

RESOLVED – the application be deferred.