Issue - meetings

Hybrid planning application to include outline planning applicationfor the erection of up to 39 dwellings with all matters reserved and change of use of agricultural land to school car park on land off Stow Park Road, Stow Park Road, Marton.

Hybrid planning application to include outline planning applicationfor the erection of up to 39 dwellings with all matters reserved and change of use of agricultural land to school car park on land off Stow Park Road, Stow Park Road, Marton.

The Principal Development Management Officer read out a number of updates.  Comments had been received from Lincolnshire County Council that a system of swales were acceptable for the drainage scheme.  There were no objections from the Archaeology department.  Condition 12 was to be clarified that the car park was only for use by Marton Primary School.

Mrs T Coulson, agent for the applicant, thanked officers for the work undertaken to date.  The original proposal had been for up to 58 dwellings, however had been reduced to 39 following discussions with Planners.  Work had also been undertaken with the community and attempts made to address longstanding highways problems.  The development would provide much needed housing for young families in the area and contribute towards the five year housing land supply.  The proposal was to provide a car park for the school and also a crossing to enable safe crossing of what was a dangerous road, which would not be feasible without the housing.  There were no detrimental environmental issues or flood risk and the development would provide benefits for all.

Clarification was sought as to whether the application would have been delegated for officer approval had it not been the application of a West Lindsey Councillor, however on this occasion it was felt that there were significant enough issues for it to require Committee determination.

Members noted that the five year housing land supply had now been met so this was not a relevant issue to influence determination.

Many Members of the Committee agreed that whilst the size of the development seemed acceptable there were still significant concerns regarding the speed of traffic on the road.  Speed traps were frequently in the vicinity of what was a known problem.  As the road led to the exit to the village traffic tended to speed up with an open road in sight, and it was questioned whether there were any ways of conditioning a traffic calming scheme.

Officers asserted that whilst there was an acknowledged problem it was felt that once there was residential development on both sides of the road it would alter the perception of the outskirts of the village and the open road.  The speed limit adjacent the site was 30mph, and LCC Highways officers had not raised any objections to the application, therefore any related conditions had to be justified. Traffic calming was not therefore a condition which could be justified in the absence of a request from the Highway Authority; it would not be a requirement to make the proposal acceptable.

Questions were raised regarding the ownership of the car park.  This was expected to be taken on by the school and a legal agreement would need to be drawn up.  It was suggested that a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 67