Issue - meetings

This was an application for outline planning application for the erection of up to 350 new dwellings (Use Class C3) with all matters reserved on land North East of Stirchley Interchange, Nedge Hill, Telford, Shropshire

This application had been brought for determination by the Planning Committee as the Council was the landowner/applicant and it involved a S106 financial contribution.

An update report was tabled at the meeting which set out details with regard to education, play provision and street trees.

Councillor G Sinclair spoke against the application on behalf of the Parish Council who raised the overwhelming negativity that the development brought to the area.  They raised concerns regarding overdevelopment, impact on wildlife, the lack of capacity on local services and schools, the impact on the Nedge Farm Riding Centre, congestion and highways and the lack of green measures such as solar panels or car charging points.

Councillor N England, Ward Member, spoke against the application on behalf of local residents and raised concerns regarding highway safety, safety of pedestrians and cyclists, the new island, the climate emergency, traffic generation and gridlock which would cause unnecessary pollution, flooding, loss of important hedgerows, archaeological work which needed to be undertaken prior to development and a secured phase of works.

K Curtis, a member of the public, spoke against the application due to the significant impact it would have on the Nedge Farm House and the Riding Centre, overdevelopment, significant historical value of the farmhouse, the lease for the farm, highway safety from farm and agricultural traffic.  She asked Members to consider reducing the dwellings to 300 and leave the lane open in order for the riding centre and farm to continue and be a benefit to the community.

Mr D Stengel (Applicant’s Agent) spoke in favour of the application which was outline permission for up to 350 quality houses.  It met Local Plan Policy HO1 and was a vibrant and sustainable development with open space and off-street parking and an enhanced pedestrian facility.  The masterplan responded to the topography and created woodland footpaths, it had suitable ecological mitigation measures, buffer zones and a woodland habitat with a green spine through the site.  The biodiversity net gain was in excess of 10% and integrated a sense of character and promotion of healthy living.  The road network would be improved with S106 contribution of £2.2m for the wider development, education, highways and was policy compliant with 25% affordable housing.

The Planning Officer confirmed that the application was based on the Local Plan site assessment and was for up to 350 dwellings but this would be confirmed at the reserved matters stage.  Although there was an impact on the wildlife, there was a biodiversity net gain of 10% and was in excess of that required.  It was acknowledged that the loss of riding centre was a concern, but the lease was a civil matter and they had been informed that the lease would not be renewed beyond 2023.  Green measures included solar, wind sheltering  ...  view the full minutes text for item 228