Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Brown, Mrs Rachel Bailey, H Davenport and R E West.

It was noted that all Members of the Board had received correspondence from the agent for the applicant in respect of application 11/0736C-Redevelopment of Land for up to 200 Dwellings, Community Facilities & Associated Infrastructure, Loachbrook Farm, Sandbach Road, Congleton for Mr & Mrs Dale.

RESOLVED

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

RESOLVED

That the public speaking procedure be noted.

Consideration was given to the above application.

(Councillor Mrs Rhoda Bailey, the neighbouring Ward Councillor, Parish Councillor Lancake, the Chairman of Somerford Parish Council, Donald Muir, a representative from Sandy Lane Action Group and Daniel Connolly, the agent for the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application.  In addition Councillor Mrs Rhoda Bailey declared a personal interest by virtue of the fact that she was a member of the Group Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and in accordance with the Code of Conduct she remained in the meeting during consideration of the application).

RESOLVED

That the application be refused for the following reasons:

1.    The proposed residential development, which is located within the Open Countryside, is considered to be an unsuitable location for development by virtue of the adverse impact that the proposals would have on the local landscape character. In addition, the proposed development is poorly related to existing built form.  The proposed development would therefore be contrary to Policies GR5, GR3 and PS8 of the Congleton Borough Adopted Local Plan First Review 2005 and guidance contained within PPS1, PPS3 and PPS7.

2.    It is considered that the proposed development would result in an unsustainable form of development. The site is at the westernmost periphery of Congleton at a distance of 2km from the town centre and there are more suitable deliverable sites which offer a more sustainable location. The proposed development would also result in the loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. There is also insufficient foul drainage infrastructure to accommodate the proposed development. The proposed development is therefore not suitable for housing development. The proposed scheme would be contrary to Policy GR20 (Public Utilities) and GR23 (Provision of Services and Utilities) of the Congleton Borough Adopted Local Plan First Review 2005 and guidance contained within PPS1, PPS3 and PPS7.

Consideration was given to the above application.

(Helen Leggett, the agent for the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to the following conditions:-

1.    To comply with outline permission                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

2.     Time limit following approval of reserved matters                                                                                                                                                                                                             

3.     Development in accord with approved plans                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

4.    Details of materials to be submitted                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

5.    Landscaping (implementation)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

6.    Removal of permitted development rights                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

7.    Submission of an updated Remediation Statement, prior to the commencement of development                                                                                                                                                                      

8.    External Lighting- submission of details

9.    A01LS - Submission of revised landscaping scheme (including evergreen trees in the boundary treatment opposite New Street cottages)

10.A04LS - Implementation of landscaping scheme

Consideration was given the above amended application.

RESOLVED

That the application be approved subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement comprising the following Heads of Terms:-

Off-site Highway Works

(a) Mill Street Enhancements

That prior to the commencement of development, the agreement shall secure the submission, delivery timeframe and detailed material specification for a scheme for public realm enhancements to Mill Street. 

The scheme shall be based around the provisions of SAB Plan 11 - DWG no N60749/11 Rev D with alterations to more accurately reflect the alternative design which emerges from the Town Centre Public Realm Study. The approved scheme shall then be implemented in accordance with an approved timescale

(b) Stonehouse Green

That prior to the commencement of development, a detailed scheme for enhancements to the Stonehouse Green pedestrian route is submitted, approved and implemented in accordance with a detailed timetable to be agreed. That the provision of funding for these works can be alternatively invested into the proposed works to Mill Street as identified at 1(a) 

(c) A54/A34 Rood Hill Junction Improvement

Secure a financial contribution prior to the commencement of development of no more than £45,000 towards the upgrade of the junction through replacement of the existing signal controller.

(d) Treatment of Victoria Street

Continuation of the agreed public realm treatment for the proposed Town Square along the length of Victoria Street connecting to Bridge Street in accordance with precise details and timeframe to be agreed.

(e) Provision of new surface level pedestrian crossing island to Market Street in accordance precise design and timeframe to be agreed with the Council.

2. Market Provision

Provision to cover the following: -

a) That prior to the first occupation of the hereby-approved food store, or an alternative timescale as may be agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority, the applicants purchase and make available for use 36 new pop-up market stalls in accordance with a detailed specification to be agreed in writing by the Council. 

b) The applicant to purchase anchor points for any new stalls which are to be laid out in the new pubic square in a location and arrangement to be agreed in writing with the Council within an agreed timeframe.

c) The applicant to install pop-up sockets (or alternative power point specification) within the new pubic square in a location and arrangement to be agreed in writing with the Council within a timeframe to be agreed in writing by the Council.

3. New Public Square

Provisions to ensure the following: -

a) That no less than 12 events per annum, where they are agreed with the Town Council and Cheshire East Borough Council, can be held within the proposed public square.

b) To secure installation of facilities for lighting and power for public events within the new square in accordance with details to be agreed within the Council prior to the commencement of development and implemented prior to the first occupation of the food store or other such time as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

Consideration was given to the above report.

RESOLVED

That the report be noted.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

Consideration was given to the above report.

At the meeting held on 26 July 2010 the Strategic Planning Board considered an outline application for up to 68 dwellings with associated public open space and highway works with details of access and siting.

The Strategic Planning Board refused the application for three reasons relating to open countryside policy and spatial vision, inadequate Public Open Space and a lack of low cost housing.

The Applicant has appealed this decision and a Public Local Inquiry will take place later in the year.  Since the refusal, the Applicant has submitted further information in support of their case and, having taken Legal advice regarding the merits of the appeal the following resolution was agreed:-

RESOLVED

That the third reason for refusal in respect of low cost market housing be withdrawn and that the Head of Planning and Housing in consultation with the Chairman or Vice Chairman be instructed to amend or remove any other reason for refusal if necessary.