Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the above application.

(Councillor Mrs G Merry, the Ward Councillor, Councillor B Moran, the adjacent Ward Councillor, Town Councillor Wood, representing Sandbach Town Council, Mr Brough representing Elworth Hall Farm Action Group, Mr Edwards, an objector and Mr Gold, the agent for the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).

RESOLVED

That for the reasons out in the report and in the update to Board the application be refused for the following reason:-

(1) The proposed residential development is unsustainable because it is located within the Open Countryside, contrary to Policies PS8 and H6 of the Congleton Borough Adopted Local Plan First Review 2005 and the principles of the National Planning Policy Framework. The Local Planning Authority can demonstrate a 5 year supply of housing land supply in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework, and 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 preparation for the forthcoming Planning Inquiry, authority be delegated to the Development Management and Building Control Manager in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Board to enter into a planning agreement in accordance with the S106 Town and Country Planning Act to secure the following Heads of Terms:-

·         29 dwellings, with 19 provided as affordable / social rent and 10 provided as intermediate tenure

·         8 x 1 bed apartment & 11 x 2 bed houses as affordable / social rent and 2 x 2 bed houses & 8 x 3 bed houses as intermediate tenure

·         Transfer of any rented/shared ownership affordable units to a Housing Association

·         Affordable homes to be let or sold to people who are in housing need and have a local connection. (The local connection criteria used in the agreement to match the Councils allocations policy)

·         Provision of play area

·         Provision for a residents management company to maintain all the on-site amenity space / play area in perpetuity

·         Detailed management plan for the Public Open Space be submitted and approved

·         Provision of a LEAP sized play area located centrally within the central public open space. This should include at least 5 items incorporating DDA inclusive equipment, using play companies approved by the Council.  The final layout and choice of play equipment be agreed with CEC, the construction should be to the Council’s satisfaction

·         Highways contribution of £288,000 towards highway improvements in the Sandbach area

·         Contribution of £162,694 towards primary education

·         Contribution of £196,112 towards secondary education

(The meeting was adjourned for a short break.  Councillors Mrs R Bailey and P Edwards left the meeting and did not return).