Agenda item

The Planning Officer presented the application to the Committee.

 

Public Speaker, Objector – Spoke on:

·       Protecting the fen

·       Rare plants and invertebrates

·       Hydrology

·       Measurement of groundwater catchment needed

·       Need for sustainable drainage plan

 

 

 

Public Speaker, Objector – Spoke on:

·       Rob Low’s opinion

·       Air quality report

·       Local plan requirements

 

Public Speaker, Supporter – Spoke on:

·       Sustainable homes

·       Needs of local residents

·       Stakeholder involvement

·       Accessible homes

·       Reduced carbon emissions in new homes

 

Public Speaker, Supporter – Spoke on:

·       Accords with master plan/outline permission

·       Need for 2 and 3 bedroom properties

·       Housing delivery requirement of 600 homes

 

 

Comments from Councillors during debate included:

·       Concerns from Historical England

·       Concerns from Natural England

·       Premature application

·       Issues with SUDS

·       Houses should be 1m above water level

·       NPPF requirement to minimise risk

·       Need to enhance biodiversity

·       Need for more single bed housing

·       Ideal design in Exeter

·       Importance of protecting the fen

·       Prefer social rent to affordable rent

·       Can 1 bedroom properties be purchased?

·       Maintenance fee

·       500 dwellings to be considered

·       Housing delivery record

·       Lots of conditions that need satisfying

·       School isn’t confirmed to be happening by DCC

·       No scheme yet for Coach Road

·       Applications may be somewhat codependent and so the first deferral would require the second to be deferred

·       Landmark buildings not in right places

·       Lack of carbon reduction

·       Care homes on site

·       Lack of survey data for fen

·       Principle of no harm should be followed

·       Objection from Devon Wildlife Trust

·       Application not unique enough

·       Red sandstone could be used for dwellings

·       Walls should be natural stone

·       Houses should not be occupied until other works are completed

 

 

In response to comments, Officers clarified the following points:

·       No infiltration of SUDS

·       1 meter rule was for use in a different method

·       Control established by condition 20 which protects the fen

·       No objection by Natural England who are the highest ranking body

·       Use of natural slate

·       All 1 beds are social rent

·       Can’t mandate fees as there is legal agreement

·       Officer view is that it replicates master plan

·       Heat pumps in plans

·       Need for more discussion on reasons for deferral so officers can come back with plenty of information

·       Care homes are assisted living and provided by developer

·       Natural England evidence trail including 2019 letter

·       It is problematic for the council and members to receive new objection letters a day or two before the Committee meeting

·       Major development sites monitored by team, including quarterly meetings with ward members and developers

 

It was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Macgregor that decision be deferred so that officers can ascertain additional information including the features of the through road, house design, the impact on the fen, and drainage systems.

 

A roll call vote was taken – the results were as below.

 

For: Councillors Bradford, Buscombe, Goodman-Bradbury, Hall, Hook, Macgregor, Nutley, Nuttall, Palethorpe, Sanders, and J Taylor (10)

 

Against: None

 

Abstentions: Councillors Sanders and C Parker (2)

 

Resolved

 

That decision be deferred so that officers can ascertain additional information  including the features of the through road, house design, the impact on the fen, and drainage systems.