Issue - meetings

To consider the above application.

Consideration was given to the above application.

(Councillor Mrs J Clowes, the neighbouring Ward Councillor, Parish Councillor G Seddon, representing Audlem Parish Council, David Siddorns, representing Audlem Parish Planning Group/Village Design Statement Team and Heather Jones, representing Audlem Medical Practice, an objector attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).

RESOLVED

That the Board be minded to refuse the application 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 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 proposal would involve the removal of an “important” hedgerow as defined in the Hedgerow Regulations 1997. Policy NE5 of the local plan states that the Local Planning authority will protect, conserve and enhance the natural conservation resource where, inter alia, natural futures such as hedgerows are, wherever possible, integrated into landscaping schemes on development sites. In the absence of overriding reasons for allowing the development and the proposal is therefore contrary to Policy NR3 of the adopted Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011.

4.     Insufficient information has been submitted to demonstrate that, at the proposed density, the scheme would provide for the retention and protection of existing trees of amenity value and therefore the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the proposal complies with 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.

5.     On the basis of the information submitted, the applicant has failed to demonstrate that the scheme provides for a sufficiently high quality of design for buildings and public spaces which will function well and add to the overall quality of the area, not just for the short term but over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 81