Agenda item

Outline planning application (with all matters except access reserved) for the erection of up to 93 dwellings including associated car parking, public open space and landscaping.

The officer presented the report and addendum on application P15/V2933/O for outline planning permission (with all matters except access reserved) to erect up to 93 dwellings including associated car parking, public open space and landscaping on land north of Appleford Road, Sutton Courtenay.

Consultations, representations, policy and guidance and the site’s planning history were detailed in the officer’s report which formed part of the agenda pack for this meeting.

David Hignell, a representative of Sutton Courtenay parish council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         Cumulative impact on infrastructure not considered;

·         Pollution and drainage impact; and

·         No demonstrable need in village; suggested there is a 6-year land supply.

Tom Duckham, a local resident, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         Residents have reported flooding in the field in question;

·         Road is currently three times over capacity – the proposed mitigation is ineffective for current vehicles, let alone the extra 300+ houses; and

·         Oxfordshire county council have ignored the traffic report.

Roger Smith, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application. His speech included the following:

·         No statutory consultee objections; and

·         40% affordable housing included in the plans.

Councillor Gervase Duffield, the local ward members, was unable to attend the committee but submitted a statement to be read out objecting to the application:

·         Concern for the volume of large scale developments already in Sutton Courtenay;

·         The site is near a flood risk area, further buildings add to that risk;

·         The adjacent T-junction is already a traffic black spot which will only get worse with this and the already approved Amey site; and

·         The proposed traffic lights are not welcome in the village – can further consultation be carried out?

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

·         No history of fluvial flooding on the site where housing is shown;

·         The council cannot currently demonstrate a five year land supply;

·         Highways have put forward traffic lights and extension of the 30mph speed limit; and

·         Lack of reply on traffic report from Highways not acceptable.

A motion, moved and seconded for approval, was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED (6 for; 1 against; 3 abstentions):

To authorise the head of planning to grant outline planning permission for application P15/V2993/O, subject to:

1.    A S106 agreement being entered into to secure contributions towards local infrastructure and to secure affordable housing; and

2.    Conditions as follows:

1.    Commencement of development – 12 months after reserved matters approval.

2.    Reserved matters to be submitted within 18 months of the outline consent.

3.    Layout based on principles in the design and access statement.

4.    Tree protection to be provided.

5.    On site open space provision.

6.    On site open space management.

7.    Sustainable drainage scheme to be agreed and implemented.

8.    Foul drainage strategy to be agreed and implemented.

9.    No development in Flood Zones 2 or 3.

10. Vehicular access details and vision splays.

11. Pavement connection to south side of Appleford Road.

12. Construction method statement and construction traffic management plan to be agreed.

13. Travel information pack to be agreed.

14. Method statement for biodiversity enhancements.

15. Mitigation strategy for badgers.

16. Slab levels to be agreed.

17. Contamination remediation scheme.

18. Confirmation of any contamination encountered during construction and remediation.

19. Ground gas monitoring and remediation.

Informatives

1.    Market housing mix to complement the SHMA.

2.    Bird nesting.