Agenda item

Outline application for residential development (access only) consisting of 16 dwellings and open space.

The officer presented the report and addendum on application P15/V1074/O for outline planning permission for a residential development (access only) consisting of 16 dwellings and open space on land at Reading Road, Harwell.

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 Marsh, a representative of Harwell parish council, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         Significant permanent impact on the AONB;

·         Harm to views from Reading Road;

·         No exceptional need demonstrated;

·         Disconnect between this site and the rest of the village; and

·         Request for condition for safe pedestrian crossing.

Mike Gilbert, the residents’ agent, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         Application was withdrawn in 2014 due to harmful impact on AONB;

·         In 1989 an appeal was dismissed due to incursion into the countryside; and

·         Visually obtrusive from Reading Road.

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

·         Since the 2014 application, the number of dwellings proposed has reduced from 44 to 16;

·         No highways or drainage objections;

·         Worked with design and landscaping officers;

·         Existing housing on three sides of the site and same depth as neighbouring development;

·         Building on AONB is not unacceptable in principle; and

·         Affordable housing offered.

Councillor Reg Waite, one of the local ward members, spoke objecting to the application. His concerns included the following:

·         AONB must be preserved;

·         The proposal is overbearing and would destroy the character of the area; and

·         Need gaps in between housing to preserve the rural nature.

Councillor Janet Shelley, one of the local ward members, also spoke objecting to the application and therefore did not vote. Her concerns included the following:

·         The site is outside of the built up area of Harwell and within the AONB;

·         Visually prominent encroachment into protected landscape;

·         Would change the character of the area;

·         Would visibility splays affect the vegetation on the site boundary? and

·         Excessive speed of motorists and difficulty in safely crossing the A417.

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

·         There is housing on each side of the site – effectively infill;

·         Views open towards the ridge;

·         Doesn’t add any further harm to the AONB;

·         Highways haven’t objected on safety; and

·         Policies have changed since 1989, making that appeal irrelevant.

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

RESOLVED (10 vote to nil):

To authorise the head of planning to grant outline planning permission for application P15/V1074/O, subject to:

1.    A S106 agreement being entered into with both the county council and district council in order to secure contributions towards local infrastructure and to secure affordable housing; and

2.    Conditions as follows:

1.    Standard outline condition.

2.    Submission of reserved matters.

3.    Approved plans.

4.    Access (details not shown).

5.    Surface water drainage works (details required).

6.    Foul drainage works (details required).

7.    Construction of method statement.

8.    No drainage to highway.

9.    Surface water drainage

10. Works within the highway.

11. Surface water drainage.

12. Wildlife protection.