Agenda item

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 condition be applied to require that the car park be created prior to the first occupation of any of the residential dwellings on site.

Clarification was sought regarding fuel pipes through the centre of the development and it was affirmed that wayleaves were in place to allow for this.

Councillor Smith suggested a number of policies appropriate for refusal – STRAT1.4, STRAT1.6, LP2, LP4, STRAT9, LP12, NPPF para 29 AND NBE20.1.

Whilst concerns remained regarding the speed of traffic on the road the Chairman noted that the application had to be determined on planning, not highways, matters, and the 25% affordable housing provision was a good opportunity for young families.

The recommendations in the report were moved and seconded, with the condition to require the car park to be completed prior to the first occupation of any of the housing on site.  On being voted upon it was AGREED that:-

That the decision to grant planning permission, subject to conditions, be delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, to enable the completion and signing of an agreement under section 106 of the Planning Act 1990 (as amended) pertaining to:-

-     Capital contribution towards 6^th Form facilities (amounting up to £18,427) in lieu of on-site provision;

-    On site provision of affordable housing equivalent to a 25% contribution of the overall amount of housing;

-    Measures to deliver and secure the ongoing management and maintenance of Public Open Space (equating to a minimum of 10% of the overall site) and car park;

-    Provision of an uncontrolled pedestrian crossing on the A1500 to serve the development.

-     The provision of a 50 space car park with associated bus parking area, landscaping and barrier.

And, in the event of the s106 not being completed and signed by all parties within 6 months from the date of this Committee, then the application be reported back to the next available Committee meeting following the expiration of the 6 months