Agenda item

Reserved Matters Application (Appearance, Landscaping and Layout)-Re-routing of an existing ditch, provision of a culvert beneath the access road, adjustment of an attenuation pond, provision of an additional attenuation tank, repositioning of trees and shrubs, and re-routing of a footpath alongside Twelve Acre Drive relating to land at North Abingdon-on-Thames Eastern Parcel Areas A and B as required by conditions attached to the outline planning permission (Ref: P17/V0050/O) (As per amended plans received 24 April 2024) The outline planning permission (LPA Ref. P17/V0050/O) to which this application relates was an environmental impact assessment application. An Environmental Statement was submitted to the local planning authority at that time.

Councillor Mike Pighills declared a non-registerable interest in this item as he was the local ward member. Councillor Pighills stood down from the committee during the consideration of this application and did not participate in the debate or vote.

Councillor Max Thompson declared a non-registerable interest in this item as he was the local ward member. Councillor Thompson stood down from the committee during the consideration of this application and did not participate in the debate or vote.

Councillor Val Shaw Chaired the meeting for this item.

The committee considered planning application P24/V0358/RM:

Reserved Matters Application (Appearance, Landscaping and Layout)-Re-routing of an existing ditch, provision of a culvert beneath the access road, adjustment of an attenuation pond, provision of an additional attenuation tank, repositioning of trees and shrubs, and re-routing of a footpath alongside Twelve Acre Drive relating to land at North Abingdon-on-Thames Eastern Parcel Areas A and B as required by conditions attached to the outline planning permission (Ref: P17/V0050/O) (As per amended plans received 24 April 2024)

The outline planning permission (LPA Ref. P17/V0050/O) to which this application relates was an environmental impact assessment application. An Environmental Statement was submitted to the local planning authority at that time.

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 the meeting.

The planning officer presented the report to members.

The reserved matters for 371 dwellings, including aspects such as drainage, highways, landscaping, appearance, and scale, were approved in 2023. The alteration to the approved drainage came to the committee last year, focusing on rerouting the ditch between the two vehicular accesses.

The officer explained that most features and drainage elements remained in the same location, except for the slight relocation of the ditch.

The officer confirmed that the flooding in Abingdon was not related to the development but due to the lack of maintenance of existing ditches and watercourses to the south of the site. Since dealing with the applicants and progressing the site, no further complaints or queries on drainage matters had been received.

The site's capacity would not be impacted by the proposed changes. The alignment of the ditch, swales, and basins would not materially affect the approved capacity.

A management company would be responsible for maintenance on a yearly, six-monthly, and monthly basis. They would monitor the site and take necessary actions if required.

The officer confirmed that 53 units had been occupied to date. This did not impact the current drainage scheme, and the sewage system had sufficient capacity for the allocation, as confirmed by Thames Water.

Photographs from the site illustrated the relocation and main position of the drainage ditch, the newly constructed footpath, and other elements of the sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). The system was functioning correctly, collecting water without causing flooding, and there were no blockages.

The proposed changes did not alter what was previously deemed acceptable. Therefore, the recommendation for this proposal was approval, subject to the conditions listed in the committee report

Members noted that a statement from Abingdon Town Council had been previously circulated.

Ward members Councillor Max Thompson and Councillor Mike Pighills spoke on the application.

Members expressed appreciation for the work undertaken and praised the report. Members enquired about the monitoring of the maintenance plan. The officer confirmed that the maintenance company would be responsible for tracking and monitoring the site. The company would also be the first point of contact for residents with any concerns.

Members noted that while there had been many objections from residents and statutory bodies throughout the process, the recent updates and amendments had addressed these concerns. 

A motion, moved and seconded, to approve the application was carried on being put to the vote.

RESOLVED: to approve planning application P24/V0358/RM subject to the following conditions:

1.             Approved plans

2.             Tree Protection (General)

3.             Biodiversity Enhancement Plan

4.             Construction Environmental Management Plan

5.             Drainage Strategy

6.             SUDS Compliance Report

7.             Landscape and Ecological Management Plan

8.             Landscape Implementation

9.             Watercourse Buffer Scheme

10.          Woodland Management Plan

11.          Footpaths and Drainage

12.          Landscaping (S38 and S278 works)

Councillor Pighills re-joined the committee.

Councillor Max Thompson re-joined the meeting as committee Chair.