Agenda item

Full application for planning permission for conversion of the Anson Institute building to 3x apartments (2x 2 bed, 1x 1bed) and erection of 5x new dwelling houses (4x 3 bed, 1x 4 bed), and for the erection of 5x 4 bedroom dwellings along with new community building, MUGA and rearranged sports pitches on Anson Field.  Outline application for the erection of nursery building on Anson Field with all matters reserved.

Councillor Webber stepped down from the committee as she was the ward member for this application.

The officer presented the report and the addendum on application P15/V3042/O a hybrid application for the full application for planning permission for conversion of the Anson Institute building to 3 x apartments (2 x 2 bed, 1 x 1 bed) and erection of 5 x new dwelling houses (4 x3 bed, 1 x 4 bed), and for the erection of 5 x 4 bedroom dwellings, along with new community building. MUGA and rearranged sports pitches on Anson Field. Outline application for the erection of nursery building on Anson Field with all matters reserved at Marcham Village Institute and Anson Field, Marcham.

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

Ruth Mander spoke on behalf of Marcham Parish Council, supporting the application:

·           It provided benefits and amenities to the village

·           The parish council expects to be included in all consultations relating to the development of this application.

The committee asked questions of clarification to Ms Mander.

Jeremy Collins spoke in objection to the application.

·           Believes that this application is a desecration of the memory of the Anson sisters in their gift to the village.

·           Concerns about parking, air quality and traffic movement.

·           The application is in the conservation area.

The committee asked questions of clarification to Mr Collins.

Jim Asher, Chair of Marcham Community Facilities Steering Group, spoke in support of the application.

·           The village is in need of a new village hall, particularly given the increase in the population in the village of Marcham.

·           The application is not housing led. It uses the limited housing build to allow for the redevelopment of the facilities.

·           It aligns with the community led plan. It is a community led solution to a community problem.

The committee asked questions of clarification to Mr Asher.

Catherine Webber, the ward member spoke in favour of this application.

·           It was a much needed facility in the village and had significant support within the village.

The committee asked questions of clarification to Councillor Webber.

The committee asked questions of clarification of the officers

There is an overage clause: if profits go above the industry benchmark then the parish council will claim some profits back as part of a s106 agreement.

A motion was proposed and seconded to accept the officer’s recommendation to approve the application.

The committee debated this motion.