Issue - meetings

To consider planning application UTT/19/2692/OP.

The Planning Officer presented an outline application for the erection of up to 6 dwellings with all matters reserved except access and scale with associated works. Indicative drawings had been submitted which showed how up to six dwellings with detached garages, hardstandings and shared service road from Old Mead Road could be accommodated at the site and showed the type of dwellings envisaged. It was further stated on an indicative basis that the dwellings would be externally clad in brick, render and cladding although appearance was a reserved matter. A wildflower meadow was shown on the drawings but did not form part of the application.

The Planning Officer said that the proposals were acceptable to the Highway Authority and there had been no objections from the Parish Council.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions.

Members discussed whether they could seek affordable housing through S106 as outline planning permission had previously been given for up to 9 houses and a further permission of up to 6 houses granted to the same landowner would make a grand total of up to 15 and therefore possibly would attract a contribution of affordable housing.

There was debate about whether this was one or two separate schemes and it was explained that there was actually an established property, owned by a different person, situate between the two proposed sites. It was noted that the outline permission for 9 properties had been approved on 15 April 2019.

Members discussed pedestrian safety measures insofar as there is no footpath on either side of the road from the proposed site towards Elsenham Station. Councillor Freeman referred to a major proposal for the area having previously been rejected on appeal by an Inspector because of poor road facilities.

Further discussion took place about a) whether the site was considered brownfield land and b) with regard to the traffic survey undertaken on behalf of the applicant.  Mention was also made of the question of vacant building credits. 

Councillor Fairhurst proposed a motion to defer the item pending clarification of the brownfield issue together with possible S106 contributions in respect of affordable housing and possible highway links.

Councillor Freeman seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED to defer the application pending consideration of potential S106 contributions.

J Salmon spoke on the application.        

Meeting Closed 5:10pm

Date of Next Meeting agreed as 22 July 2020.