Issue - meetings

This was an application for outline planning permission for the delivery up to 250 dwellings (Use Class C3) with all matters reserved on land off Arleston Lane (South side), Arleston, Telford, Shropshire

The application had been referred to Planning Committee at the request of Councillor M Boylan and the Lawley & Overdale Parish Council.

A site visit took place on the afternoon prior to the meeting.

The Planning Officer informed Members that further traffic data had now been received and the National Highways had removed their holding response subject to a construction and environmental management plan.  Since publication of the report four further representations had been received with comments already being addressed within the committee report.  Illustrative plans had been provided which demonstrated that the site could accommodate up to 250 dwellings but details such as layout, scale, access, landscaping and appearance would come forward with a reserved matters application.

Mr H Armatage, Applicant’s Agent, spoke in favour of the application and fully supported the Officer’s recommendation to approve 250 high quality homes which would meet an identified housing need as set out in the adopted Local Plan.  The site would include seven hectares of landscape and proposed a cycle tract and formal and informal play.  Buffer zones had been implemented following extensive public consultation.  There would be a 5-10% biodiversity gain and natural features preserved including the Wrekin Way and new footpaths created across the site.  Section 106 contributions would enhance the connection to Wellington and the development would integrate a safe route.  The existing highway had been challenging and they had worked with highway officers and the primary school to reduce any impact with a 40-space car park of offsite improvement works around the school, together with a drop off and pick up area being proposed.    Education, local health care, open space provision and 25% affordable housing were set out in the S106 agreement and exceeded £2.8m, but it was noted that if an alternative access was required the scheme would be rendered unviable.  There were no objections from statutory consultees and, if approved, a reserved matters application would subsequently bring forward the details of what could be achieved.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this application was mostly greenfield land with some tree coverage across the central band of the site with varying topography.  Significant engineering would be required to achieve the residential units that would come forward at reserved matter.  The site was in the urban area of Telford and sat in proximity to existing facilities, Lawley Primary School, community centre and nursery.  The application sought outline permission and an illustrative masterplan set out separation distances, proposed dwellings, screening and landscaping.  A noise assessment had not been provided but would come forward at the reserved matters stage.  Included in the application were enhancements and upgrades to recreation facilities, primary and secondary education, upgrade of Wrekin Way and remodelling and a one-way road around Pepper Mill and Lawley Primary School, travel plan monitoring and 25% affordable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41