Agenda item

17/02118/MAJ - -Outline planning application for up to 30 dwellings and associated works, (means of access to be determined only)

7/02275/FUL - Widening of existing residential driveway and alterations to access

Public Speaker, Objector – Objected on behalf of a local resident on the grounds that Bovey Tracey would accommodate 600 new homes rather than the 400 outlined in the local plan; an Environment Impact Assessment would need to be undertaken to assess the impact on the 12 species of bat which inhabited the area, as recommended by the Devon Wildlife Trust; the application did not comply with the policy so there are ecological reasons to refuse the application; there could be substantial harm to the heritage of the location; and the average speed on Newton Road was in excess of 44 mph, differing to the 2003 speed survey. A new survey should be performed and all key highway information provided.

Public Speaker, Objector – Objected on the grounds that the report was inconsistent with the local plans options for site access and that the access points had not been addressed at the correct planning stages. Members needed to note that the chosen options for accessing the site from Newton Road would be impacted by driver speeds, which were above 30 mph. A new road survey needed to be undertaken to assess the Newton Road.

Public Speaker, Supporter –the applicant had worked closely with the Council officers to make the application both acceptable and sustainable. The junction entrance would only be widened. The number of units would be proportionate to the site to deliver affordable homes, public open spaces and ecological enhancements.

The Principal Planning Officer presented the report explaining that the application was for 30 new homes, which was under the Environmental Impact Assessment threshold of 1000 homes and therefore not required. Natural England had confirmed there would be no impact on the local wildlife following a habitat assessment at the location. The proposed entrance widening would improve visibility at the junction onto Newton Road. Devon County Highways would secure increased visibility through a Section 278 Agreement.

Comments from Councillors included: the driveway and entrance would impact the area and heritage; the location was not suitable for 30 new homes; concern about the loss of trees; access for larger vehicles; the detrimental effect that a population increase would have on the area; a speed survey to be undertaken to address the speed limit on Newton Road; issues with multiple access points to the site; the development could lead to a loss of the period archaeology and local wildlife heritage;  more information was required from South West Water on drainage and flood impacts.

In response the Principal Planning Officer and Business Manager, Strategic Place stated that ecological and environmental impact assessments had been undertaken and a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) would be in place during the development period. He clarified that the local plan detailed multiple alternatives to access the site and not multiple access points. Devon County Council had withdrawn their objection for drainage, the entrance driveway would be maintained by a management company and a site survey had been already been undertaken to address the site archaeology concerns.

The local plan had approved the site for development, and a condition would be added to ensure more information was provided. However there was not enough evidence for refusal, which could lead to an appeal. If more information was required, the Business Manager, Strategic Place recommended deferring the item.

It was proposed by Councillor Haines and seconded by Councillor Dennis and

Resolved

Permission be refused on highways and heritage grounds but decision deferred to consider an Officer’s report on refusal options.

(15 votes for and 2 against)