Agenda item

To consider the above report.

Consideration was given to the above report.  In the light of the decision made by Members in respect of application 14/4938C, the recommendation was amended to state that the appeal should be continued to be fought on the following grounds:-

1.The proposed residential development is unsustainable because it is located within the Open Countryside, contrary to Policy PS8 of the Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review 2005, Policy PG5 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy - Submission Version and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework, which seek to ensure development is directed to the right location and open countryside is protected from inappropriate development and maintained for future generations enjoyment and use. As such it and creates harm to interests of acknowledged importance.

2.The proposal would result in loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. The use of the best and most versatile agricultural land is inefficient and contrary to Policy SE2 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy - Submission Version and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.The proposed residential development, by virtue of the adverse impact that the proposals would have on the local landscape character within a historic finger of countryside close to the town centre and failing to recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of this site is contrary to Policies GR5, GR3 of the Congleton Borough Adopted Local Plan First Review 2005 and policies SE4, SE5 and SE6 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy – Submission Version and the provisions of Paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

And that reason number 4 be withdrawn.

(Peter Minshull representing Congleton Sustainability Group attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).

RESOLVED

That the forthcoming appeal be contested on the following grounds:-

1.The proposed residential development is unsustainable because it is located within the Open Countryside, contrary to Policy PS8 of the Congleton Borough Local Plan First Review 2005, Policy PG5 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy - Submission Version and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework, which seek to ensure development is directed to the right location and open countryside is protected from inappropriate development and maintained for future generations enjoyment and use. As such it and creates harm to interests of acknowledged importance.

2.The proposal would result in loss of the best and most versatile agricultural land. The use of the best and most versatile agricultural land is inefficient and contrary to Policy SE2 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy - Submission Version and the provisions of the National Planning Policy Framework.

3.The proposed residential development, by virtue of the adverse impact that the proposals would have on the local landscape character within a historic finger of countryside close to the town centre and failing to recognise the intrinsic character and beauty of this site is contrary to Policies GR5, GR3 of the Congleton Borough Adopted Local Plan First Review 2005 and policies SE4, SE5 and SE6 of the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan Strategy – Submission Version and the provisions of Paragraph 17 of the National Planning Policy Framework. 

If a written agreement between the applicant and the Council could not be reached in respect of the fourth reason for refusal regarding highways then delegation be given to Head of Planning (Regulation) in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Board to re-include the highways reason for refusal.

(The meeting was adjourned for a short break).