Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 14 November 2022.  ** Please note, that the minutes are to follow **

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Strategic Planning Committee of 14 November 2022 be approved and signed as a correct record.

To receive communications from the Chair.

The Chair introduced and welcomed the Development Manager and made the following announcements:

1.    Members of the public were permitted to film, broadcast, and report on the meeting, subject to the efficient running of the meeting not being affected.

2.    Members of the public were requested not to call out during the Committee’s discussions on any item.

3.    There were no planned fire drills so in the event of an alarm sounding, evacuation instructions would be given by officers.

4.    That it be requested that any devices be switched off or onto silent mode.

Refused, reasons to be set out in the Minutes.

Principal Planning Officer outlined the application and provided a presentation which included plans and photographs from various vantage points of the proposed site.

In response to Member’s enquiries, the Principal Planning Officer advised that the outline application indicated the principle of development of up to 24,000 sqm and the detail and layout of the units would be seen at the reserved matter stage.   Clarification was provided regarding the percentages of class types of the units that were proposed.  Whilst the site had previously been considered a, potential site for an employment allocation in the emerging Northampton Local Plan Part 2, it had not been taken forward for ecological reasons, - including the potential impact on the adjacent Special Protection Area and the proximity to Great Houghton and its designated heritage assets.  The applicant had made adjustments to the application, in the consultation period, to mitigate any potential impact.  Natural England had provided a no objection response.

The development site was considered to join the existing employment area. Whilst the site had not been allocated as land for employment use in the Local Plan it did not preclude it being considered as a ‘windfall site’.

The National Highways and the Local Highway Authority had considered the transport assessment and had raised no objections.

The Housing and Employment Needs Assessment (HENA) provided the latest information, built on best available data and provided officers and members guidance when making their decisions.

In response to Member’s enquiries, the Development Manager advised that the Conservation Area Officer’s comments that the application would cause ‘less than substantial harm’ had triggered the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) test, which the officers had applied.

In response to Member’s enquiries, the Planning Solicitor considered that the risk of an appeal being upheld against the West Northants Council’s emerging Local Plan was unlikely.

Councillor Bignell invited Councillor Larratt, Ward Member for Nene Valley to address the Committee, in objection to the application.  He brought Members’ attention to the comprehensive representation submitted on behalf of Great Houghton Parish Council in objection to the application and outlined the salient points of the representation.

Jon Kirby, the agent, addressed the Committee in support of the application.  The application was a result of 18 months of consultation with planning officers and had evolved to address any initial concerns. The application would provide employment space in line with the Councils Employment Land Needs Assessment.  It was considered that the consultees had raised no substantial objections. 

Members considered the report and committee updates and the representations made by the speakers and discussed the allocation of employment space in line with the Council’s Local Plan’s and the emerging Local Plan Part 2 Policies, the application of the HENA, the Joint Core Strategy and the Great Houghton Neighbourhood Plan.  Members raised concerns regarding the impact of the application on the ecology, the heritage site, highways, and the designated Special Protection Area, the Site of Special Scientific Interest and the amenity of the village.

In response  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

Approved subject to conditions.

The Major Projects Officer outlined the application and provided a presentation which included maps and photographs from various vantage points of the proposed site.

In response to Member’s enquiries, the Major Projects Officer advised that a number of gardens, smaller than the minimum of 9 metres, had been agreed at Committee for the previous reserved matters application.  The application before Members only related to updated house types to ensure the development was in accordance with the revised Design Code.  There was no requirement for bungalows on the site.

Members considered the report and presentation.

Councillor Parker proposed the application be approved, the proposition was seconded by Councillor James and on being put to the meeting was declared carried unanimously

Resolved:

That the Head of Planning Delivery for Planning and Environment be given delegated powers to grant permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any items of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There were not items of urgent business.