Issue - meetings

This was an application for the erection of 1no. self build dwelling with associated parking and landscaping works on land opposite Byre Cottage, Sambrook, Telford, Shropshire

Councillor S Burrell, Ward Member, had requested that the application be determined by the Planning Committee.

The Planning Officer reported that there was a typographical error in paragraph 8.17 of the Officer’s report and should have stated that “. . . whilst land does currently consist of a green field HO10 does not prohibit the building . . .”  The amendment was proposed and seconded and unanimously agreed by Members.

Councillor E Phillips spoke on behalf of the Parish Council against the application and raised concerns regarding ecology and the biodiversity required to achieve 10% net gain, the use of an unploughed field with excellent soil, impact on birds due to the site being on a flight corridor, the impact on bats and their dusk feeding.  Further concerns were raised regarding scale, the bund, impact on the Grade II listed building, the drainage due to hard surfaces, disturbance to the grazing field and the lack of privacy for local residents.

Councillor S Burrell raised concerns in relation to what defined an outstanding design, the contribution to the setting and its lack of sympathy to local surrounding and whether exceptional architecture had been met.  He considered that this would be a blot on the rural landscape and questioned the design of the drainage system.  It was asked that a site visit take place before any decision was made in order to consider the benefit of the application against its overwhelming harm.

Mr M Rowley, member of the public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding Policy HO10, lack exceptional design or inspiration from the local area, biodiversity gains and minimal tree/hedgerow planting.  The dwelling would be prominent sitting on top of a hill and would light up the night sky, lack of privacy for local residents and the land was part of a listed farm and barns which had been untouched for 50 years.

Mr J Harris, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application which adhered to Policy HO10 and Policy 85 of the NPPF which supported housing if it represented innovative design.  There was no requirement for the dwelling to be isolated and the application would be conditioned in order to prevent the site becoming a care home or multiple dwellings.  The application had gone through three reviews and it was considered surface water run off could be improved via the discharge strategy.  There was suitable distance separation to neighbouring properties and adopted landscaping strategies.  The construction process would be carefully managed by conditions and consents and a 10% biodiversity net gain would enhance the site.

The Planning Officer informed Members that the site was located in the rural area and considered acceptable under Policy HO10 which outlined that this  application was outside of the five main settlements for residential development which were strictly controlled.   The Local Planning Authority do not have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27