Agenda item

To consider the Wolborough Development Plan Document report.

The Principal Delivery Officer summarised an email from Abbotskerwell and Wolborough Residents Association that supported preparation of the Development Plan Document (DPD). He also reported that he had received a letter on behalf of Abbotskerwell Parish Council and Wolborough Residents’ Association.  Concerns were raised regarding the ecological reasons for a legal challenge. Members were advised that Officers considered that the DPD would be fundamental in addressing the ecological aspects of the development of the site.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing stated that the Local Plan was approved in 2014 which agreed the principle of development at Wolborough NA3. This Development Plan Document (DPD) would control the planning process and support quality housing development across the site.

During discussion, Members raised the following points:-

·         Concern that the plan would still not mitigate the impact of development in Wolborough and on the listed buildings

·         Concerns that the Developers would still have the upper hand despite the DPD

·         The need to protect the natural landscape of the area including the Fen, and Greater Horseshoe bats habitat

·         Whether £210,000 as a good use of Council monies given the current budget constraints

·         Whether the development would provide the Social Housing that the District required

·         The plan would help support the development to help to protect the Grade I Listed Church and the Wolborough Fen SSSI

·         The development would provide much needed Housing for the District

·         The proposed DPD would support a cohesive approach to the development of the area

·         The DPD would help to support the refusal of planning applications if the brief was not met

·         The DPD would help to effectively control and protect the development of the area  

Officers advised that whilst it was recognised that development of the site was contentious, the housing target of which the site was key for the District was set by Central Government.  The DPD had the support of the Council for Protection of Rural England (C.P.R.E) and it would help to ensure that any development was led by the Council.

In response to further questions raised, the Principal Delivery Officer advised that the Draft Masterplan did include provision for primary and secondary school facilities, additional surveys would be undertaken to understand any impact that development would have on the Fen and Greater Horseshoe Bats. A planning application for balance of the site (where an application had not already been received) was anticipated to be submitted shortly.  

Proposed by Councillor Lake, seconded by Councillor Clemens and

RESOLVED that the following be approved:-

(1)       The preparation of a Wolborough Development Plan Document; and

(2)       A budget of up to £210,000 for preparation of the Development Plan Document

In accordance with Procedural Rule 4 (O) (v) a recorded vote was called for:-

Voting for:-

Councillors Austen, Barker, Bullivant, Christophers, Clarence, Clemens, Colclough, Dennis, Golder, Goodey, Gribble, Haines, Hocking, Jefferey, Jones, the Chairman, Lake, Mayne, Peart, Prowse, Russell, Smith and Thorne

(23 Members)

Voting against:-

Councillors Cook, Eden and Winsor

(3 Members)

Abstentions:-

Councillors Bromwell, Connett, Cox, Dewhirst, Evans, Hayes, (G) Hook, (J) Hook, Morgan, Nutley, Parker, Rollason and Keeling

(13 Members)

Absent:-

Councillors Fusco, Matthews, Orme, Pilkington and Winsor

(5 Members)