Issue - meetings

To consider application UTT/20/0336/DFO.

The Senior Planning Officer stated that the proposal related to details following outline approval UTT/16/3669/OP for the erection of 35 dwellings together with road infrastructure. The proposal would involve the erection of 24 market units and 11 affordable units whereby the dwellings would be positioned around and within a central internal loop road system which would be served by a new vehicular access into the site leading directly from Bedlars Green Road.

The submitted scheme would include an area of public open space/ children’s play area to be provided within the centre of the site. He said that access arrangements had been agreed with Essex CC Highways, that no objections had been received and that the Parish Council supported the scheme.

The application was recommended for approval with conditions.

Members discussed the relevant site history details alongside previous planning applications. Concerns were expressed that an affordable housing mix had been agreed which amounted to 31% rather than the required 40% of the total number of properties. It was stated that this figure had been agreed as part of the S106 package and could not be revisited.

Councillor Loughlin said that she remembered this case being refused previously and she could not support the application on this basis.

Councillor Bagnall said that the layout was tight and the design of the houses was not in-keeping with the surrounding properties.

The Chair referred to the comments made by Great Hallingbury Parish Council, particularly referencing the proposal to “gift” to UDC eight affordable homes subject to local connection conditions.

The Development Manager confirmed that eight “gifted” units could be accepted as part of the S106 Agreement.

Councillor Reeve acknowledged that the application had the support of the Parish Council and proposed approval of the application.

Councillor LeCount seconded the motion.

RESOLVED to approve the application with conditions.