Agenda item

Planning applications

Consideration was given to the report detailing the planning applications which had been previously circulated.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the variations set out below, the advice set out in the report now submitted be agreed.

WND/2021/0482 WOODFORD HALSE - OUTLINE PERMISSION (TO INCLUDE DETAILS OF ACCESS, LANDSCAPING, LAYOUT AND SCALE) TO EXTEND THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL ESTATE COMPRISING THE CONSTRUCTION OF DETACHED BUILDINGS PROVIDING UNITS WITHIN USE CLASS B2 (GENERAL INDUSTRIAL) AND USE CLASS E(G)III (LIGHT INDUSTRIAL) WITH ASSOCIATED PARKING, ROADS, LANDSCAPING AND INFRASTRUCTURE. APPEARANCE OF THE BUILDINGS TO BE A RESERVED MATTER - LAND TO NORTH OF MANOR BUSINESS PARK, GRANTS HILL WAY, WOODFORD HALSE

The Area Planning Officer outlined the application and drew Members’ attention to the list of late representations. The application was in outline and included landscaping, access, layout and scale and the only reserved matter was the appearance of the units. Woodford Halse was a primary village in the Local Plan hierarchy and the site was in a strategic employment area. The proposed modest extension to the north of the existing industrial estate would comprise of 5 small domestic scale units. Members were advised that Grants Hill Way was not adopted highway but had been built to an adoptable standard. The proposed landscaping around the edge of the site would mitigate and soften the impact of the scheme. Members were shown photographs of various views of the site.

It was considered that the application was in accordance with policy EC4 as it was an extension to an existing employment area. It would not impact adversely on the village or residential amenity. The existing industrial estate was fully occupied and therefore this application would address an employment need in the local area.

The main concerns relating to the proposal were regarding highway safety, particularly at the Doll’s Hill roundabout. The Highway Authority had not raised any objections but were seeking contributions for the local bus service and a bus pass for employees for one month to be secured by a Section 106 agreement.

Mr McCallum, the Agent, reported that there was a waiting list for industrial units at the site. The new businesses would obviously create an increase in the amount of traffic in the area, but they would provide local employment.

Further to a discussion regarding the proposal for bus passes to be provided for one month for employees, it was highlighted that this was a standard request from the Highway Authority which was designed to act as an incentive to use public transport. It was noted that the 200 bus service would be stopping in January, which the Agent was aware of; it was expected that an alternative for that service would be provided.

Councillor Rupert Frost, the local ward Member, raised concerns that the proposal was contrary to the Woodford cum Membris Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), which stipulated that any new business development in the village should be small and proportionate. As this extension would be approximately a third of an increase in size of the existing unit, Councillor Frost queried if this was small and proportionate. The Area Planning Officer advised that all the relevant policies had to be considered when assessing the application. When the application was assessed against policy EC4 of the Local Plan and the Joint Core Strategy, both of which were afforded more weight than the NDP, the proposal was considered acceptable. However, Members could attach greater weight to the NDP if they deemed that to be appropriate.

Further to a suggestion that an alternative means of transport to the site be promoted in the Section 106 agreement, the Council’s Solicitor added that a car sharing scheme could be included, which would also be of benefit by reducing the traffic on the road network.

Councillor Cecile Irving-Swift proposed that the application be approved, subject to the amendment that a clause be included in the Section 106 agreement that other alternative means of transport such as cycling and car sharing be promoted to employees and that solar panels be added to the roofs of the buildings and electric vehicle charging points be provided.The Area Planning Officer clarified that solar panels and EV charging points could be secured by condition, but the applicants could appeal if they felt that such conditions did not satisfy the tests. The proposition was seconded by Councillor David James and on being put to the meeting was declared carried with 6 voting in favour and 2 against.

RESOLVED:

That the application be approved subject to securing the legal agreement, as amended and conditions.