Agenda item

Outline - erection of 32 dwellings including incidental open space, landscaping and an area of strategic green

Note: Councillor Bullivant advised that he resided in the area. He did not vote on the application.

The report of the site inspection held on 30 November 2017, circulated with the agenda for the meeting was noted. It was also noted that the application

had been amended from 34 to 32 dwellings.

Public speaker, Objector - Representing Imerys Minerals Ltd – the proximity of the development site to the tip could cause a significant hazard during construction work; the Applicant has not undertaken a survey to evidence that the development will not be a risk to the structure or operation of the quarry; the quarry and the extraction of Devon Ball Clay is important to the economy of the area; residents from the development may make statutory complaints about noise and dust from the quarry which could constrain the activities of the quarry; and there should be a buffer zone of at least 250 metres between the quarry and residential property. 

Public speaker, Objector - The development will not have suitable infrastructure; HGV’s will only be able to access via Highweek village; detrimental to the amenity of residents of Howton Road; loss of views; Hele Park houses are not being sold and remain empty; where will the bollards be located to provide a no through road; highway safety – the road is too narrow with too few passing bays for the additional traffic, and will put cyclists and pedestrians in danger.

Public speaker, Supporter – The proposal will influence the type of style and design and provide needed housing for elderly and disabled people; Imerys has had plenty of time to object; and traffic issues have been dealt with by Devon County Council.

Comments from Councillors included: the highway network is too narrow, high hedges and restricted visibility, and unsuitable junction with Mile End Road for additional traffic; impact on amenities of Highweek village residents; unsuitable site; is the site of a distance not to cause a problem for the quarry operation?; and the site is allocated in the Development Framework plan.

In response the Planning Officer referred to the allocation of the site in the Local Plan as NA1; Devon County Council highways comments that the road width is sufficient for two cars to pass safely and meet the guidance for Howton Road speeds; the recommended condition 4 at agenda page 71 provides for highway junction improvements prior to occupation of dwellings; and there is no history of complaints to the Council’s Environmental Health Officer about dust.

The Business Manager advised that the site is a large allocation in the Framework Plan, which would provide 20% affordable housing. A refusal on the grounds of lack of infrastructure at this stage would be unsupported.

It was proposed by Councillor Hook (was Brodie), seconded by Councillor Fusco that the application be refused. An amendment was proposed by Councillor Clarance, seconded by Councillor Prowse and

Resolved

Consideration deferred for investigation into highway improvements which could be achieved to accommodate 32 dwellings on the site, or if no improvements a reduction in the number of dwellings.

(11 votes for and 2 against)

Note: The deferment of the application was contrary to the recommendation of the Business Manager. The Committee considered that the highway in its current form was insufficient to serve the additional traffic from 32 dwellings.

Before taking the vote, the Business Manager advised that the Applicant would have the right to go to appeal on non-determination should the application be deferred.