Agenda item

To determine the application.

Tom Donnelly presented the report to members.

Members received a presentation, in accordance with the public participation procedure, from Matthew Hall, the agent. Mr Hall stated that this is a Principle in Planning (PIP) application and he is pleased to see it recommended for approval. He referred to the points that the objectors have raised, where they are saying that trees are being removed but there are no trees being removed as part of this application, all the trees that can be seen in the photos surrounding the site are not even owned by this applicant and are owned by someone completely different.

Mr Hall expressed the view that the site is not in the open countryside, there are various built out and approved residential developments abutting this site and when he visited the site on Friday 23 May the new footpath that has been approved is being set at the moment linking in to the bypass. He referred to the plan on the presentation screen, which shows the site and other sites that have been approved or built out in the vicinity, making the point that the character of the area is changing all the time.

Mr Hall stated that he has submitted an indicative drawing to give members an idea of what might be proposed at the next stage if this application is approved, which shows low density development similar to the other sites at Eastwood End. He feels the officer’s report sums up the application very well, with good service being received from the officer and it is being recommended for approval and other applications in Eastwood End have been supported, in some instances by officers and some by members.

Mr Hall stated that the site lies in Flood Zone 1 and there is an existing access, which they are proposing to widen and improve, with the applicant owning the house immediately adjacent the access so it can be carried out, with there being no highway objection or other technical objections.

Members made comments, asked questions and received responses as follows:

·       Councillor Mrs French expressed the view that this is a good application, others have been approved in this vicinity and this will probably be the last piece to complete that whole area. She stated that she supports it.

·       Councillor Gerstner stated that he agrees with Councillor Mrs French, it is an on-going building out of the area, with this application just a PIP so there will more details come along which can be discussed at a further planning meeting if it comes to the committee.

·       Councillor Benney agreed, stating this is a PIP application, it is not known what the details will be and this will come forward in a later application and others have been passed in the area.

Proposed by Councillor Gerstner, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED as per the officer’s recommendation.

(Councillor Marks declared that the applicant is a customer of a business that he is director of and took no part in the discussion and voting thereon. Councillor Benney chaired this application)

(Councillor Benney declared that the agent has undertaken work for Chatteris Town Council and himself personally, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)

(Councillor Purser declared that the agent is undertaking work for him, but he is not pre-determined and will consider the application with an open mind)