Agenda item

Erection of 35 dwellings with open space and associated infrastructure.(as amended by drawings received 25 February 2014).

The officer presented the report on an application to erect 35 dwellings with open space and associated infrastructure. Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and this site’s planning history are detailed in the officer’s report which forms part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

Updates from the report

·       None.

Sarah Day, from Shrivenham Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. Her concerns included the following:

·        Noise from vehicles on the A420, and the proposed acoustic barrier would be visually intrusive;

·        The proposal was the wrong mix of housing: too many four-beds and a shortfall of one and two-bed properties which was what was needed locally;

·        The far side of the site would be too far from local amenities and would therefore create parking issues in the village.

David Branscombe, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·        The application site currently formed a buffer between residents and the A420 bypass;

·        There would be an increase in traffic.

Robert Froud Williams, the applicant’s agent, spoke in favour of the application. His speech included the following:

·        The acoustic fence would also provide protection for existing residents and would be softened by landscaping;

·        There are no outstanding objections on highways grounds and Thames Water are content with the proposals.

Councillors Simon Howell and Elaine Ware, the ward councillors, had submitted a statement outlining their objections to the application, which was read on their behalf. The statement is briefly summarised below:

·       Lack of adequate public consultation.

·       Despite no objections from Thames Water, during periods of prolonged rainfall, residents experience raw sewage backing up on to their properties.  Residents in Sandhill, the road adjoining the site, are some of those affected.

·       The A420: there is no contribution to improve this major arterial route.

·       Swindon Borough Council are consulting on 2380 homes at South Marston, which is within less than a mile of the county boundary and a proposed business Hub at Gablecross which is also within a short distance from the county boundary.  Virtually all comments on these consultations refer to flooding risk and A420 issues.

·       If this application is approved then any conditions attached must be monitored and adhered to.

·       The committee considered this application, with advice from officers where appropriate; the discussion covered the following points:

RESOLVED (for 14; against 0; abstentions 0)

To grant planning permission, subject to a S106 agreement to secure the affordable housing and contributions, and subject to the following conditions:

1.     Time limit – full application (one year from date of decision);

2.     Approved plans;

3.     Material samples and panel on site;

4.     Building details of the proposed dwellings;

5.     MC24 - Drainage details (surface and foul);

6.     MC29 - Sustainable drainage scheme;

7.     LS1 – Landscaping scheme (submission);

8.     LS2 – Landscaping scheme (implementation and management plan) ;

9.     LS4 – Tree protection;

10. Construction traffic management plan;

11. Provision of a local equipped area of play within the site;

12. Boundary treatment details;

13. Development in accordance with recommendations of noise report;

14. Details of alternative ventilation to first floor;

15. Provision of fire hydrants on site;

16. Written scheme of archaeological investigation.

17. Full details of the proposed site accesses

18. Full details of improvements to Stallpits Road;

19. Relocation of 30mph sign on Highworth Road;

20. Removal of permitted development rights for extensions and outbuildings - plots 9-15 and 21-27;

21. Removal of permitted development rights to prevent the conversion of garages without planning permission – all garages.