Agenda item

To consider the above planning application.

Note: Parish Councillor W McIntyre (on behalf of Shavington-cum-Gresty Parish Council), Mr H Ashworth and Mrs B Kelly (objectors), Mr J Unwin (supporter) and Mr D Taylor (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.

RESOLVED

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

1.            In the opinion of the Local Planning Authority, the proposed development would cause a significant erosion of the Green Gap between the built up areas of Shavington and Crewe and adversely effect the visual character of the landscape which would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme notwithstanding a shortfall in housing land supply. The development is therefore contrary to Policy NE4 (Green Gaps) of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained within the NPPF.

2.            Insufficient information has been provided to demonstrate that the site could accommodate the number of dwellings proposed together with the required level of Open Space. As such the proposed development is contrary to Policy RT.3 of the Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement Local Plan 2011 and guidance contained within the NPPF.

3.            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 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.

(b)That, in the event of any changes being needed to the wording of the Committee’s decision (such as to delete, vary or add conditions/informatives/planning obligations or reasons for approval/refusal) prior to the decision being issued, the Head of Planning (Regulation) be granted delegated authority to do so in consultation with the Chairman of the Southern Planning Committee, provided that the changes do not exceed the substantive nature of the Committee’s decision.

(c)That, should the application be subject to an appeal, the following Heads of Terms be secured as part of any S106 Agreement:

1.            A scheme for the provision of 30% affordable housing – 65% to be provided as social rent/affordable rent with 35% intermediate tenure. The scheme shall include:

- The numbers, type, tenure and location on the site of the affordable housing provision

- The timing of the construction of the affordable housing and its phasing in relation to the occupancy of the market housing

- The arrangements for the transfer of the affordable housing to an affordable housing provider or the management of the affordable housing if no Registered Social Landlord is involved

- The arrangements to ensure that such provision is affordable for both first and subsequent occupiers of the affordable housing; and

- The occupancy criteria to be used for determining the identity of occupiers of the affordable housing and the means by which such occupancy criteria shall be enforced.

2. Provision of a contribution of £86,770.32 towards primary education.

3. Provision of POS and a LEAP and a scheme of management