Agenda item

Variation of Conditions 1 (amended parameter plans), 24 (phased tree protection works) 33 (additional land to be included within the archaeological written scheme of investigation) and 52 (vehicle access) of Planning Permission P13/V1764/O.

Jenny Hannaby, a local ward councillor and Ben Mabbett, a Wantage Town councillor, stepped down from the committee and took no part in the debate or voting for this item.

The officer presented the report on application P17/V0652/FUL, for a variation of Condition 1 (amended parameter plans), 24 (phased tree protection works), 33 (additional land to be included within the archaeological written scheme of investigation) and 52 (vehicle access) of planning permission P13/V1764/O at Land at Crab Hill, land north of A417, Wantage.

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.

June Stock, a representative of Grove Parish Council, spoke objecting to the application. Her points included the following:

·         The access points to the development were dangerous for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians;

·         She questioned why changes to the signed S106 legal agreement should be proposed; and

·         The proposed number of houses in phase 1a was not acceptable.

Julie Mabberley, Campaign Manager, Wantage and Grove Campaign Group spoke objecting to the application. Her points included the following:

·         Delays to completion of road accesses would create increased risk of accidents on the already very busy A417;

·         The developers had accepted the conditions imposed in the S106 agreement so should be required to honour them; and

·         Oxfordshire County Council appear to have recommended acceptance of the delays in trigger points because of delays to the Grove Airfield development, but the Airfield agreement had now been signed.

Nicky Brock, the applicant’s agent, spoke in support of the application. Her points included the following:

·         The number of units had not changed, only the density;

·         The access point at the eastern junction of the A417 could comfortably accommodate the traffic generated by the new dwellings; and

·         Although the Grove Airfield agreement had now been signed, the agreement had been delayed for a considerable time which will delay its delivery;

Jenny Hannaby, a local ward councillor, spoke objecting to the application. Her points included the following:

·         She reiterated the views expressed by the other objectors;

·         The trigger points had been agreed and should not be subject to change; and

·         She expressed concerns about traffic and cyclist safety on the A417.

The committee discussed the application, with clarification from officers where appropriate. Officers reported that outline planning permission had already been granted and that the County Council had no objections to the proposed trigger point changes to the S106 agreement which only affected its obligations.

A motion, moved and seconded, to delegate authority to grant outline planning permission to the head of planning was declared carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: To delegate authority to the head of planning to grant outline planning permission for application P17/V0652/FUL subject to:

1.    The completion of a deed of variation to the S106 legal agreement of application P13/V1764/O; and

2.    The conditions set out in the draft decision notice attached at Appendix 1 to the report.