Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Wood and Councillor Pritchett had been appointed as his substitute, however Councillor Pritchett had not yet joined the meeting.

Councillor Chandler reported that she had digital connection issues and was currently present but she may lose connectivity. 

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2020

The minutes of the meeting held on 15 October 2020 were confirmed and authorised to be signed by the Chair.

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

Councillor Posnett declared a personal interest in any matters relating to the Leicestershire County Council due to her role as a County Councillor. 

Minute PL70: 19/00256/FUL - Land North of 55 Main Street, Kirby Bellars

Councillor Browne confirmed that he would be representing his ward on this application by making a representation to the Committee. He would therefore leave the meeting for the debate and not vote on this item in accordance with the Council’s Procedure Rules.

Field OS 3500, Hecadeck Lane, Nether Broughton

The Planning Development Manager addressed the Committee and provided an update on the application as follows:

·         There had been further discussions with the agent who considered access had already been granted at outline stage and had submitted a revised statement for review however the local planning authority were satisfied that all matters were reserved, including access, at the outline planning application stage

·         A response from the local lead flood authority had been received and they were satisfied that the application demonstrated adequate surface water drainage

·         The LLFA had requested additional information regarding the outfall from the site and this information would be required to discharge condition 7 of the outline planning permission and  considered at that point

·         With regard to outstanding highway layout matters, further information  on visibility and tracking had been received and the Highway Authority had confirmed that the tracking was acceptable and the internal layout was to an adoptable standard. The Highway Authority had  requested a stage 1 road safety audit to be submitted which would identify any design concerns. This was the only outstanding matter on highways. It should be noted that if the application was approved, the final decision would need to be delegated to officers subject to the satisfactory provision of a road safety audit

·         The Parish Council had made a further representation that they had significant concerns relating to the infrastructure of linking the application site to the rest of the village and they considered a full pavement making this connection was the responsibility of the developer

The Assistant Director for Planning and Delivery further reported that some matters connected to the access and specifically the inclusion of a footpath were not part of the reserved matters application and would need to be the subject of a separate design submission under a condition of the outline permission  and therefore would be considered at a later date. Should the Committee request it, the Ward Councillor could be involved in any footpath design discussions.

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to  public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a 3 minute presentation:

·         Councillor George Schmidt, Nether Broughton & Old Dalby Parish Council

·         Piers Flavin, Objector

·         Daniel Browne, Agent, Grace Homes

·         Councillor Joe Orson, Ward Councillor

In response to a Member question concerning using his local knowledge to have involvement in the footpath design, Councillor Orson confirmed his agreement.

It was noted that the layby/gateway close to the site was not part of the application site. There was concern about access to the pumping station should cars be parked in the layby/gateway.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Overall Members had no objection to the development but had concerns  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL69

Land north of 55 Main Street, Kirby Bellars

(Councillor Browne declared his intention to speak as Ward Councillor on this application and here left the Committee and moved into the public speaking gallery.)

The Planning Development Manager addressed the Committee and provided a summary of the application. She advised that the application was previously considered by the Committee in October 2019 and was deferred to allow for further information on housing needs in Kirby Bellars to be presented. A Housing Needs Survey had since been provided and a full review of this assessment was contained with the report.

Pursuant to Chapter 2, Part 9, Paragraphs 2.8-2.28 of the Council’s Constitution in relation to  public speaking at Planning Committee, the Chair allowed the following to give a 3 minute presentation:

·         Cllr Angus Smith, Kirby Bellars Parish Council

·         Mrs J E Dolan, Applicant

·         Cllr Ronan Browne, Ward Councillor

In response to a Member question, Councillor Browne responded that with regard to the affordable property, he would work with the officers on the requirements for the provision and have it marketed locally for local people. The property would be a discount market home and would be the only one on the development to be subject to restrictions.

It was queried as to marketing the property towards families when there was no play area in Kirby Bellars. Councillor Browne considered that the property was close to Frisby which had a play area and there were rural footpaths around the village to access other villages and facilities.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Members felt it was a good application and the affordable housing was a positive offer. It was felt that the development would bring much needed new blood and younger people to the village

·         It was noted that a Section 106 Agreement would be needrf for the requirements of the discount market home and local connection occupancy criteria, and  the Assistant Director advised that there was standard text that could be adapted should Members require this

·         It was agreed that the discount market home should be maintained as such in perpetuity

·         Members were encouraged that the Parish Council, Ward Councillor and developer were all in agreement that there was a consensus that the development was desirable

·         Members considered the terms of the Section 106 Agreement should be agreed between Officers and the Ward Councillor

·         It was felt to be acceptable for a departure from the Local Plan in this instance because although not a prefect fit in relation to identified needs, there was  a shortage of affordable properties and the housing needs survey had outlined a need for one storey properties

·         The reason to approve against the officer recommendation was considered to reflect that it was a borderline case for sustainability as there were good transport links to the village and to take up the offer of a much needed discount market home  ...  view the full minutes text for item PL70

To consider any other business that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.