To consider the above application.
Minutes:
Consideration was given to the above application.
(Councillor R Fletcher, the Ward Councillor, Emma Nawoor, representing Hall Drive Action Group, Peter Bower, an objector and Rawdon Gascoigne, the agent for the applicant attended the meeting and spoke in respect of the application).
RESOLVED
That for the reasons set 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 and would create harm to the interest of acknowledged importance. 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.
In addition it was requested that an informative be added on to include the following wording:-
In the event that an Appeal is lodged against the refusal grant authority to the Development Management and Building Control Manager to enter into a Section 106 agreement to secure:
· 33 affordable units broken down to 21 affordable / social rented units and 12 intermediate tenure.
· Transfer of any rented affordable units to a Registered Provider
· 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 either
o A contribution of £ 32,965.20 to upgrade the Swallow Drive Play Area and a further £ 107,460.00 to maintain it or;
o Acquisition and upgrading of the Swallow Drive play area by the developer and its subsequent maintenance by the private residents management company or;
o A new play area elsewhere on site.
The chosen option to be agreed by the Council prior to submission of first reserved matters
· The final layout and choice of play equipment be agreed with CEC, the construction should be to the Council’s satisfaction.
· Provision for a private residents management company to maintain the on-site amenity space / play area and all incidental areas of open space not within the adopted public highway or domestic curtilages
· Detailed management plan for the above Open Space be submitted and approved.
· Highways contribution of 200k in mitigation at Hassall Road/ Crewe Road junction and the signal junction in the town centre at Sandbach Road / Crewe Road.
· Contribution of £206,080 towards education.
· Delegated Powers be granted to the Development and Building Control Manager in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Board to agree any necessary contributions towards level crossing improvements (following negotiations with Network Rail and the Applicant.)
(The meeting was adjourned for a short break).