12/3747N - LAND BETWEEN AUDLEM ROAD/ BROAD LANE & PETER DESTAPLEIGH WAY, STAPELEY: Residential Development up to a Maximum of 189 Dwellings; local centre (Class A1 to A5 inclusive and D1) with maximum floor area of 1800sqm Gross Internal Area (GIA);
Meeting: 03/04/2013 - Strategic Planning Board (Item 168)
PDF 1 MBTo consider the above planning application
Minutes:
(During consideration of the application, Councillor D Brown arrived to the meeting, however he did not take part in the debate or vote on the application).
Consideration was given to the above report.
(Councillor A Martin, the Ward Councillor, Councillor P Groves, the Ward Councillor, Parish Councillor J Davenport, representing Stapeley & District Parish Council, Pat Cullen, representing Protect Stapeley, Martin Malbon, an objector, Simon Boon, an objector and Colin Muller, the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).
RESOLVED
That for the reasons outlined in the report the application be refused for the following reasons:-
1. The proposed residential development is unsustainable because it is located within the Open Countryside, where according to Policies NE.2 and RES.5 of the adopted Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan there is a presumption against new residential development. Such development would be harmful to its open character and appearance, which in the absence of a need for the development should be protected for its own sake.. The Local Planning Authority can demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing land supply in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. As such the application is also premature to the emerging Development Strategy. Consequently, there are no material circumstances to indicate that permission should be granted contrary to the development plan.
2. In the absence detailed survey information the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposal will not result in loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land (Grade 3a) and given that the Authority can demonstrate a housing land supply in excess of 5 years, the applicant has also failed to demonstrate that there is a need for the development, which could not be accommodated elsewhere. The use of the best and most versatile agricultural land is unsustainable and contrary to Policy NE.12 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.
3. The scheme as presented will result in an immediate loss of trees that contribute significantly to the amenity and landscape character of the area and that the proposed indicative mitigation measures for this loss do not satisfactorily establish the benefits required by local and national policy. The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy NE.5 (Nature Conservation and Habitats) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.
(The meeting adjourned for a short break).