Issue - meetings

To consider application UTT/18/2297/OP.

The Planning Officer presented the proposal for outline planning with all matters reserved except access was for the proposed erection of up to 12 dwellings. The proposed access would be provided at two points from the Ridgeon’s residential development to the south of the site.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions and a S106 legal obligation.

Councillor Storah spoke on the application as an individual objector and then withdrew from the Chamber.

Councillor Freeman referred to the parish council comments and noted that both he and Councillor Fairhurst had recused themselves from the parish council meeting.

In response to a member question the Legal Officer said that a covenant was a private law matter, rather than planning, and may be released on agreement.

The Committee discussed that there was a duty to the environment as well as to people and that it was recognised that this parcel of land had ecological value. 

Councillor Pavitt said that a 30 year old habitat cannot be recreated in replacement.

Councillor Fairhurst proposed the motion to refuse the application. Councillor Sutton seconded the motion.

RESOLVED to refuse the application for the following reasons:

1.    The proposed development of 12 dwellings does not outweigh the harmful impact to protected species, priority species, wildlife, habitat and biodiversity. Although the proposal includes biodiversity mitigation this will not outweigh the permanent harm cause by the development, in accordance with ULP Policy GEN7 and the NPPF.

Cllr A Storah, P Stock, P Gadd and P Belton spoke on the application.