Issue - meetings

Erection of 1 no. dwelling and associated landscaping.

Refuse; against officer recommendation.

As Mr Briscoe had declared a predetermination in the item he withdrew from the committee and took a seat in the public gallery.

Mr Mew presented the report to the Committee. He explained the application was for a detached dwelling being brought forward as an exception site under Paragraph 80 (e) of the NPPF.

Mr Mew reminded the Committee that the application had been considered at two previous Planning Committee meetings where it had been deferred.

Mr Mew provided a verbal update on Condition 18, he explained that the reference to ‘either’ was an error and had been deleted.

Mr Mew highlighted the site location. He reiterated that in terms of policy the site was being brought forward under Paragraph 80(e) of the NPPF and advised that for the reasons detailed within the Committee Report officers felt the application did meet the requirements set out in Paragraph 80(e).

He informed the Committee that the application had been through significant pre application discussions, including advice from the Conservation and Design team. It had also been reviewed by an independent design panel who agreed that the application met the requirements of Paragraph 80(e).

On the matter of policy Mr Mew explained that the Westbourne Neighbourhood Plan had now being made, however, the August Planning Committee had been held after the referendum therefore the conclusions regarding the Neighbourhood Plan (set out in paragraph 3 of the report) were still relevant.

As part of the presentation Mr Mew detailed the Landscape Management Plan to the Committee. The plan included further tree and hedgerow planting, the creation of wildflower meadows, wetland grassland, installation of bat boxes and the removal of overhead electricity cables.

Mr Mew referred to the Westbourne Village Design Statement which recognised the use of flint and diverse variety of architectural types within the Parish.

Mr Mew provided an overview of the elevations, and the view corridors from the site. He also detailed the sustainability features of the application and emphasised that the development would deliver sustainability benefits over and above what was required from a new build. Post occupancy learning benefits would be secured through condition.

In response to the Committees request for further information regarding how the development would enhance the local area Mr Mew showed a Journal article that had been submitted by the architects highlighting the high energy performance ratings of their previous projects. The article also provided evidence for the outstanding design of the proposed development.

With regards to how the development would assist and inform future development Mr Mew explained the architects have a document of ‘Joined up Thinking and Practice’ covering matters such as; design and construction principles and improving building health and wellbeing. The document is shared with organisations like universities to help bring new technologies forward. In addition, the architects regularly speak at industry events and have provided a library of informative videos to help disseminate learning further.

With regards to learning outcomes, Mr Mew informed the Committee that the management of nitrate mitigation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 165