Agenda item

To determine the application

The Committee had regard to its inspection of the site (as agreed in accordance with the Site Inspection: Policy and Procedure (minute P19/04)) during its deliberations.

David Rowen presented the report to members and drew their attention to the update report which had been circulated. He gave a summary of some past planning decisions in the locality and highlighted some key differences compared to the proposal before Committee.

Members received a presentation in support of the application, in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, from the agent Gareth Edwards.

Gareth Edwards thanked the Committee for the opportunity to speak at today’s meeting. He informed members that the applicant had hoped to attend today’s meeting however she is currently undergoing surgery and therefore her husband has attended on her behalf. The application is for a maximum of six dwellings and the applicant has confirmed at a recent Parish Council meeting, that they are willing to make a financial contribution towards Elm Village Hall.

Gareth Edwards explained that the proposal is for an infill development between 6-50 Fridaybridge Road, Elm. The application proposes the retention of many of the existing trees and the planting of additional ones. He confirmed that the applicant is happy to accept the proposed Highways conditions and local residents are in support of the application too. He highlighted that the site is located approximately a five minute walk from the village shop and school. He reminded members that planning permission has been granted for a number of developments further towards the Village of Friday Bridge. He added that a number of local residents have expressed an interest in purchasing one of the plots for self-build purposes as the site is located in a desirable village location that benefits from good transport links and is located within Flood Zone 1. He asked members to support the application and grant planning permission.

Members had no questions for Gareth Edwards.

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

1.    Councillor Connor asked if the proposed application differs from the planning application refused in June 2018 on the same site. David Rowen confirmed that the previous planning application was for outline planning permission too and that indicative details were very similar to the one being considered today.

2.    Councillor Mrs Laws asked officers to confirm the threshold for new dwellings in Elm. David Rowen confirmed that the threshold for Elm had been exceeded but drew member’s attention to points 10.12 in the Agenda Pack (page 36).

3.    Councillor Mrs Laws observed the letters of support submitted with the application. Whilst the names and addresses of the individuals differ, the wording of the letters is identical.

4.    Councillor Mrs Bligh explained that whilst she likes the look of the proposed development, it would remove the gap between the villages of Elm and Friday Bridge and she does not agree with this.

Proposed by Councillor Mrs Laws, seconded by Councillor Connor and decided that the application be REFUSED; as per officer’s recommendation.