Agenda item

Recommended for Approval

The Head of Planning and Building Control recommended that, in respect of application 3/18/1523/FUL, subject to a legal agreement, planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions detailed in the report now submitted.  The report also recommended that authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control to finalise the detail of the Legal Agreement and conditions.

The Service Manager (Development Management), on behalf of the Head of Planning and Building Control, summarised the application which was in accordance with development concepts that were outlined in the Sawbridgeworth Masterplan.  He confirmed that an archaeological condition might not be required by the time the Section 106 legal agreement was concluded.  He further advised that the recommendation was amended to delete reference to the expansion of Mandeville School in the Section 106 legal agreement.

The Service Manager referred Members to paragraph 1.4 in respect of the principle issues for consideration.  He emphasised that Members should consider the overall planning balance and whether the proposal would result in a sustainable form of development.

Mr Brown addressed the Committee in objection to the application.  Mr Moore and Mr Butcher spoke for the application.  Councillor A Alder addressed the Committee on behalf of Sawbridgeworth Town Council.  Councillors A Alder and E Buckmaster addressed the Committee as local ward Members.

Councillor J Jones commented on the involvement of Sawbridgeworth Town Council.  He referred to the significance of the increase to 200 dwellings from the site allocation of around 175 dwellings in the development strategy of the 2018 East Herts District Plan.

Councillor J Jones referred to sustainable travel and the ability of the “Sawb Bus” to access the site.  He commented on whether a smaller bus was a possibility and whether a Section 106 contribution towards this, was a viable option.

Councillor J Jones emphasised that the development of 2 major sites close to West Road could lead to conflicts in the phases of construction.  He commented on whether particular mitigation measures were necessary in this regard.

Councillor J Kaye highlighted the importance of car charging points to all dwellings in the proposed development.  The Service Manager commented that Members of Sawbridgeworth Town Council were present at meetings of the Steering Group.  Members were advised that this was a low density development of 20 dwellings per hectare with considerable open space provision and also some affordable housing.

The Service Manager stated that the “Sawb Bus” would be able to navigate the main connecting road through the site and that significant contributions were proposed, including contributions towards the costs of highways mitigation.  Members were also advised that the construction conflicted with a nearby site would be managed by a condition for a construction management plan.  There would be an element of liaison and integration in the construction phases for both sites in Sawbridgeworth.

The Service Manager advised that the parking standard would be met by this application.  He emphasised that a number of properties could accommodate 3 cars and there would be some visitor parking on the highway.

The Legal and Democratic Services Planning Lawyer commented on the matters that were within the remit of legal in terms of the legal agreement and planning conditions.

The Service Manager confirmed to Councillor T Stowe that the Town Council would not be party to the terms of the Section 106 legal agreement.  Members were advised that there could be a separate civil agreement between the developer and Sawbridgeworth Town Council.

Councillor S Bull expressed concerns that the “Sawb Bus” might not be able to negotiate West Road.  The Service Manager detailed the significant cycle routes as well as the 2 pedestrian and cyclist bridge crossings across the Sawbridgeworth Brook.  He referred to the standard shared cycle/pedestrian routes and wider pedestrian and cycle links.

Members were advised that the “Sawb Bus” would have no problems accessing the site as the largest vehicle to enter and leave the site would be refuse vehicles.  The Service Manager referred to the comments of the Highway Authority and their requirements in respect of a junction radius of 8 metres.

Councillor M Allen proposed and Councillor J Jones seconded, a motion that in respect of application 3/18/1523/FUL, the Committee support the recommendation for approval, subject to a legal agreement and subject to the conditions detailed in the report submitted.

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, this motion was declared CARRIED.  The Committee supported the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control, as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) in respect of application 3/18/1523/FUL, subject to a legal agreement, planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions detailed in the report submitted; and

(B)   authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Building Control to finalise the details of the Legal Agreement and conditions.