Issue - meetings

This application was for the erection of 301no dwellings with associated access, open space, landscaping and drainage and ancillary infrastructure and ground remodelling on land West of Station Road, Newport, Shropshire

This application was before Committee as it required a financial contribution via a S106 Agreement.

The Planning Officer gave an overview of applications TWC/2021/0795 the residential application and TWC/2021/0796 the extra care facility which had been given consent in March 2021 and was on land east and west of Station Road. The land west of Station Road would be phase 1 of the application. The two outline applications had been brought before committee by Bloor Homes who owned the whole site and had re-addressed some of the site constraints.

Application TWC/2021/0795 was in relation to the 301no dwellings recommendation was for approval. With regard to the outstanding items such as the planting, woodland barrier along the A518 and the woodland maintenance contribution updated plans had now been submitted and discussions had taken place with the Tree Officers who were satisfied with a financial contribution being agreed in the sum of £25,000.

Councillor A Eade, Ward Councillor, spoke against the application. He acknowledged that the Applicants had accommodated suggestions but continued to raise concerns regarding the loss of a greenfield site, the major entrance to the town and the loss of the buffer, lack of Local Plan considerations, biodiversity in relation to Policy NE1 in relation to net gains and NE2 in relation to hedgerows, drainage and flood mitigation measures, lack of sustainable connectivity ie paths and cycleways. It was suggested that the £25,000 be used to eliminate the biodiversity loss and to supply extra screening to the area of Church Aston affected. It was also asked that although the neighbouring land may not be in Bloor Homes ownership that future planning applications being brought forward considered the issue of sustainable connectivity.

Councillor B Harper spoke against the application on behalf of Chetwynd Aston and Woodcote Parish Council praised the efforts made by the Applicant in respect of green space and sustainable solutions but raised concerns regarding the lack of priority for the most affected parish areas, highway safety, traffic impact and traffic survey, parking provision was less than the required standard, Pave Lane being used as a short cut and it was asked that traffic calming be provided to mitigate the hazards.

Mr P Degg, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application which was a carefully planned scheme and recommended for approval subject to conditions. There was a wealth of ecology and arboricultural/landscaping enhancements along the Hutchison Way which was great for local residents. An extra care facility was also proposed later on the agenda which contained a comprehensive S106 package of over £3m towards education, highways and infrastructure. There was an emphasis and commitment to the community which was a priority on all of Bloor Homes sites and they were keen to support community initiatives. The Application proposed to deliver 301 high quality new homes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 241