Agenda item

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Councillor D Bebbingtonleft the meeting and returned during consideration of this item but after returning did not take part in the debate or vote.

Note: Councillor M Martinleft the meeting during consideration of this application.

Note: Professor Garrington attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on behalf of Jodrell Bank, which was a consultee.

Note: Parish Councillor P Godfrey (on behalf of Goostrey Parish Council), Mrs J Stubbs (objector) and Ms V Hunter (on behalf of the applicant) attended the meeting and addressed the Committee on this matter.

The Committee considered a report regarding the above planning application and a written update.

RESOLVED

(a)  That the application be REFUSED for the following reason:

Whilst it is acknowledged that there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development in the planning balance, it is considered that:

· the development is unsustainable because the unacceptable economic, environmental and social impact of the scheme upon the efficient operation of the Jodrell Bank Observatory and its internationally important work significantly and demonstrably outweighs the economic and social benefits in terms of its contribution to boosting housing land supply, including the contribution to affordable housing. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policy PS10 of the adopted Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review 2005 and Policy SE14 of the Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy Submission Version that seeks to limit development that impairs the efficiency of the Jodrell Bank radio telescope as well as the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

· the development is unsustainable because the unacceptable environmental impact of the scheme upon the rural character and appearance of the site from Dromedary Lane (FP Goostrey NO 6) significantly demonstrably outweighs the economic and social benefits in terms of its contribution to boosting housing land supply, including the contribution to affordable housing. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policy PS8, GR2 and GR3 of the adopted Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review 2005 as well as the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

(a)    That, in order to give proper effect to the Committee’s intentions and without changing the substance of the decision, authority be delegated to the Principal Planning Manager, in consultation with the Chairman (or in her absence the Vice Chairman) of Southern Planning Committee, to correct any technical slip or omission in the wording of the resolution, between approval of the minutes and issue of the decision notice.

(c) That, should this application be the subject of an appeal, authority be given to enter into a S106 Agreement to secure the following:

Heads of terms:

1.         A commuted payment of £29,575.00 for the maintenance over a 25 year period of on-site Amenity Green Space (including the footpath link).

2.         A commuted payment of £5,494.20 for the upgrade of the Booth Bed Lane site which would be spent on upgrading the equipment and infrastructure.

3.         A commuted payment of £17,910.00 for the maintenance over a 25 year period of off-site Children and Young Persons Provision.

4.         30% Affordable Housing provision – 8 units. Provided no later than 50% occupation. Transferred to registered provider. A tenure split of 65% social rent (or affordable rent) and 35% intermediate tenure.