Agenda and minutes

Councillors N A Dugmore and F Doran declared an interest in planning application TWC/2024/0926 and indicated that they would withdraw from the meeting during determination thereof.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting held on 25 November 2024.

RESOLVED – that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning Committee held on 25 November 2024 be confirmed and signed by the Chair.

None.

None.

Please note that the order in which applications are heard may be changed at the meeting.  If Members have queries about any of the applications, they are requested to raise them with the relevant Planning Officer prior to the Committee meeting.

Members had received a schedule of planning applications to be determined by the Committee and fully considered each report and the supplementary information tabled at the meeting regarding planning application TWC/2024/0926.

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 PC27

This was an application for a change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to Residential Institution (Use Class C2) at 9 High Mount, Donnington, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 7NL.

The application was before Committee at the request of Donnington & Muxton Parish Council.

An update report had been tabled at the meeting and included two letters of objection that have been received following preparation of the report but did not raise any further concerns in addition to those listed in the main report.

Councillor L Dugmore spoke on behalf of the Parish Council against the application and raised concerns regarding highway safety on the single track road, parking, shortage of bungalows and it contravened both the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan.  Further concerns were raised regarding staff attending at similar properties within the area which caused difficulties parking half on and off the pavements and difficulties for emergency services, there were also parking issues at the residential care home.

Miss Thai, member of the public, spoke against the application and raised concerns regarding Policy HO7 and the specialist homes that were required for the elderly and disabled and would remove a much needed home from the market, the cumulative impact of conversation, parking and wheelchair access for residents, to cycle parking provision, drainage and waste management in relation to Policy ER7.  It was asked if members refuse the application in its current form and review further before a decision was made.

Mr Madumere, Applicant, spoke in favour of the application which had been thoroughly assessed.  The application would be a loving and nurturing home for a maximum of two children aged 7-17 years of age to feel safe and supported who would receive emotional and therapeutic care helping them to build meaningful relationships.  Parking was sufficient with 4 spaces and a garage for 2 members of staff and a manager working between 9am and 5pm.   The property was a 1.5 level chalet style building with bedrooms in the loft and had already been purchased.  There would be no external changes and the applicant would work collaboratively with the Local Authority and the wider community to provide a safe and loving home for vulnerable children.

The Planning Officer informed Members that this application sought change of use to a residential care facility for two children aged 7 to 17.  Local Plan Policy SP1 supported the principle of development.  This was a standard dwelling on the open market which could be purchased or lived in by anyone and had off street parking.  The appearance and design would not be impacted as there were no external changes to design or scale.  Internal arrangements were considered acceptable.  It was in a sustainable location close to shops and school and compliant with Policy HO7 which supported specialist housing.  There would be two full time staff and a daytime manager who would change shifts every 48 hours with changeover being staggered to reduce movement.  It was considered that movements would be more or less similar to  ...  view the full minutes text for item PC28