Agenda item

Reserved matters application following outline planning permission P13/V1514/O 'Outline application for residential development comprising up to 59 dwellings with associated highways works, landscaping and infrastructure improvements’.

The officer presented the report and addendum on application P16/V2868/RM which was a reserved matters application following outline planning permission P13/V1514/O 'Outline application for residential development comprising up to 59 dwellings with associated highways works, landscaping and infrastructure improvements’.

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.

Richard Bartle, a representative of Shrivenham Parish Council, spoke against the application.  His points included the following:

·         There has been a lack of public consultation with regards to this application and there has been no public presentation of the plans.  An agreement might have been reached earlier if local residents had been consulted more.

·         The site features a large number of houses built very close together and the design is out of keeping with the local area.

·         The proposed dwellings will destroy the character of this part of Shrivenham village.

·         Strategic sites have been allocated to Shrivenham and a five year land supply is now in place, so these dwellings are not required.

·         There is speeding traffic along Longcot Road and the pavements are inadequate.  A suitable plan for pedestrian access therefore needs to be put forward.

Questions of clarification were put to the speaker, who added:

·         The dwellings proposed are more urban than rural in design and should be single-storey/two-storey houses with large gardens which would better reflect the character of Shrivenham.

David Fisher, of New Maritime Ltd, spoke in objection to the application.  His points included the following:

·         This application should be deferred to allow for more consultation as the applicant has failed to adhere to council procedures to engage with members of the local community.

·         A robust buffer boundary wall should be included and year round screening should be provided.

·         The Section 106 money is insufficient.

Steven Neal, representative of the applicant Taylor Wimpey, spoke in support of his application.  His points included the following:

·         There has been good engagement and a detailed dialogue with both Vale of White Horse District Council and local residents and comments have been taken on board.

·         The buffer is a generous five metres to provide ecological enhancement.

·         A financial contribution is being made to Oxfordshire County Council to improve the footpath.

·         Improved access makes it safer for pedestrians.

·         The mix of housing is suitable to meet the local need.

Questions of clarification were put to the speaker, who confirmed that:

·         The development is not dissimilar in style to other sites locally.

·         There has been a good dialogue with Vale of White Horse District Council.

Councillors Simon Howell and Elaine Ware, the ward councillors, had provided a written statement objecting to the proposals which was read out by the clerk.  Their main points included the following:

·         There has been a lack of consultation and local engagement.

·         The buffer between the development and existing properties on Vicarage Lane required proper maintenance.

·         Design is not in keeping with local area.

·         A robust Construction Traffic Management Plan is required to restrict traffic going through Shrivenham.

The committee discussed the application, with clarification from officers where appropriate.

The committee agreed that condition 2 should be amended to include Class C, and conditions be included requiring details of materials and a phasing plan for the development to be agreed.

A motion, moved and seconded, to grant reserved matters was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to grant reserved matters for application P16/V2868/RM subject to the following conditions:

1.    Approved plans.

2.    Materials to be submitted and agreed.

3.    Phasing of development to be agreed.

4.    Permitted development removal – Classes A, B and C (plots 1 to 23 and plot 32).

5.    No side windows – plots 28 and 32.

6.    Implementation of landscaping scheme and maintenance.

7.    Development in accordance with great crested newt strategy.

8.    Development in accordance with travel plan.

9.    Development in accordance with arboricultural statement.

10. Development in accordance with archaeology report.

11. Locations of the amphibian friendly wildlife kerbs and gully pots to be agreed.

The planning conditions and section 106 agreement for the outline permission remain applicable.