Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Browne and Higgins.

Councillor Freer was appointed as substitute for Councillor Browne and Councillor Sharp was appointed as substitute for Councillor Higgins.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2024.

Application 23/01159/FUL – Land off Ashby Road, Twyford

Councillor Gordon requested that her vote against the decision for the above application be recorded and this be added to the minutes.

Subject to the foregoing, the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 May 2024 were approved as a true record.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

Field OS8695, Brooksby Road, Hoby

Location: Field OS8695, Brooksby Road, Hoby

Proposal : One detached dwelling with associated access and landscaping

The Planning Officer (AS) addressed the committee and provided a summary of the application together with putting forward an additional condition as follows:

‘No development shall commence on site until such time as the existing and proposed ground levels of the site and proposed finished floor levels including full finished site sections showing the development and site have been submitted to and agreed in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall then be implemented in accordance with the approved details.

Reason: To ensure that the development minimises the risk of flooding elsewhere and to safeguard against adverse effects on the landscape character of the area in accordance with policies D1, EN6 and EN11 of the Melton Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plan Policies 1, 8 and 14.’

Following the presentation, Members asked questions for clarification.

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation the public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a three minute presentation:

·       Councillor James Falconer Smith, Hoby with Rotherby Parish Council

·       John Coleman, Objector

·       Jacqueline Jackson, Planning Consultant, Marrons 

·       Councillor Ronan Browne, Ward Councillor

During debate the following points were raised:

·       It was put forward that Hoby was an unsustainable village with no support or regular transport services and therefore under policy SS3, development should not be approved

·       It was mentioned that the Planning Inspector had advised that the principle of development was acceptable as the site was on the edge of the village which aligned with the Neighbourhood Plan Policy 14

·       The most recent housing needs survey had said there was a need for at least 4 new homes in the Parish of Hoby with Rotherby and Brooksby forming the wider Parish area

·       It was felt that the speakers had provided local knowledge and evidence that the site flooded which did not appear to align with the statutory response and risk rating therefore some Members were uncomfortable to approve unless there were mitigating circumstances

·       There was concern at the hydrology of the site and the impact of the construction as well as the materials needing to be approved prior to construction

·       There was a suggestion for a wide culvert to be built to help the drainage of the site and it was noted that this was outside of the Committee’s remit

·       The Planning Development Manager advised that most flooding concerns could be addressed by conditions

Due to concerns regarding the risk of flooding and the potential impact on others, an amendment to condition 10.14 was put forward as follows:

‘Prior to the commencement of the development hereby permitted a scheme for the disposal of foul and surface water shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The scheme shall demonstrate that the development does not increase the risk of flooding elsewhere by ensuring that the run off from the site does not  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL5

To consider any other business that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.